NNSL (JAN 06/97) - The New Year brought Northerners new rights that most other Canadians have enjoyed for years.

As of Jan. 1. all NWT residents have access to access general government information and records about themselves thanks to the Access to Information and Privacy Act.

Prince Edward Islanders are now the only Canadians without such rights.

Under the act, Northerners can request copies of government records, provided they aren't confidential and don't concern personal information about other people.

"The introduction of the act demonstrates the government's commitment to provide open, accessible and accountable government to the people of the Northwest Territories," Justice Minister Kelvin Ng said last month.

Every government department now has access and privacy co-ordinators in place to handle inquiries, including receiving requests for information from the public.

Under the act:

• responses to information requests are to be provided within 30 days or applicants must be told when they can expect a response.

• anyone denied an information request can appeal to the Information and Privacy Commissioner

• the cost of obtaining access to government records is free if the records concern personal information, providing the cost of photocopying does not exceed $25

• there is a non-refundable initial fee of $25 for access to general, non-personal information

• there are no other fees unless the cost of processing the application exceeds $150.