ATIPPA, 2015 covers provincial public bodies. PHIA covers health custodians. The OIPC makes recommendations under both, with a court-filing route under ATIPPA, 2015.
This page provides legal information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified privacy lawyer or CIPP/C-accredited privacy professional before taking action on access requests, breach response, complaints to a Privacy Commissioner, or Federal Court applications.
Last verified: September 2026
TL;DR
Newfoundland and Labrador has no private-sector privacy law (PIPEDA applies). ATIPPA 2015 covers provincial public bodies with some of the strongest access rights in Canada. PHIA covers health information. Complaints go to the OIPC NL.
ATIPPA 2015: one of Canada's strongest access laws
After a major reform, Newfoundland and Labrador's Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act 2015 is often cited as the strongest access-to-information regime in Canada.
It includes tight timelines, narrow exemptions, and an independent review structure through the OIPC.
Health privacy under PHIA
PHIA applies to health custodians and gives patients access and correction rights. The OIPC NL investigates and makes recommendations under PHIA; it does not have order-making power, and unresolved matters can be taken to court.