The online version of the Saskatchewan Gazette, the government’s documented repository is to be granted official record designation.
Tuesday’s proposed amendments to the Queen’s Printer’s Act, 1996, mean residents will be able to reference the online Gazette as soon as it is posted and rely on it in legal proceedings as an authoritative legal record.
The Gazette contains public notices and regulation changes that result from new legislation, and is frequently referenced in legal proceedings. Currently only the paper version of the Gazette has official record status and it takes about a week to print and mail out to make it available as a reference in court matters.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant sees the importance of making both print and online copies as official government records.
“Legislation requires many ministries and other agencies to use the Gazette for public notices, but citizens increasingly prefer to access information online. This change increases access to justice by ensuring that the Gazette is official and authoritative as soon as it is posted.”
Once the amendment takes effect, the government notes the online version will be on par with the printed format.