What is Right to Know Day?
Right to Know Day is an internationally recognized day dedicated to creating awareness about the importance of people’s right to access government information, while promoting freedom of information as essential to both democracy and good governance.
It all began on September 28, 2002, in Sofia, Bulgaria with an international meeting of access to information advocates who proposed that a day be dedicated to the promotion of freedom of information worldwide. Since that time, advocates and participants around the world celebrate Right to Know Day each year on September 28.
In Canada, Right to Know Day, extends to a week of celebrations, known as Right to Know Week. Each year, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) for Newfoundland and Labrador joins other provinces and territories across Canada, as well as other countries around the world, in celebrating Right to Know Week and we hope you will too!
Celebrating Right to Know Week – 2026
Right to Know Week takes place from September 28 to October 4, 2026.
This year is particularly significant for access to information rights in Newfoundland and Labrador, as it is taking place during the statutory review of our province’s access to information law, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA, 2015).
While access to information rights have faced setbacks in some parts of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador’s legislation remains widely recognized as among the strongest in the country. ATIPPA, 2015 serves as a leading example of how strong access laws can support government accountability, foster informed public participation, and strengthen public trust in the institutions that serve us.
As part of our outreach activities leading up to Right to Know Week 2026, OIPC is encouraging individuals, organizations, journalists, researchers, public bodies, and community groups to share their perspectives on how the legislation can be preserved and strengthened for future generations.
www.nlatippareview.ca/participate/
For additional Right to Know resources, visit the Information Commissioner of Canada’s Right to Know Week webpage.
When is the next Right to Know Week?
Mark your calendars! The next Right to Know Week is taking place from September 27 to October 3, 2027. Be sure to visit this website closer to that time to see our new materials and events. We hope you join in the celebrations with us!