The B.C. government will consult with stakeholders and members of the public on changes to the information schedules that outline the lifecycle of government records, Finance Minister Michael de Jong announced today.

Information schedules provide guidance on how long a document must be kept by government; which documents may be disposed of once their value ends, and how a record may be properly held, transferred or archived. With the increasing digitization of records, the B.C. government has committed to modernizing its information management practices.

A new consultation website launched today at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/infoschedules, invites members of the public and stakeholders to comment on draft information schedules, each with a three-week consultation period. These consultations will be ongoing as new draft information schedules are brought forward for consideration.

The first consultation runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 20, 2017, and seeks input on records related to BC Stats, Conservation Officer Services, Victim Services and Crime Prevention, Combat Sports Regulation, and Medical Service Plan remittance coupons.

British Columbia is the first jurisdiction in Canada to publicly consult on information schedules. The website will be updated regularly and includes an electronic form enabling British Columbians to submit their comments directly to public servants working to modernize B.C.’s information management practices.

Final decisions on information schedules will be posted to the website and visitors have the option of submitting their contact information to be notified when new consultations are launched.