N.S. Freedom of Information office dealing with 5-year backlog

Nova Scotia's Freedom of Information Office is trying to clear a five-year backlog of files.

Catherine Tully took over as review officer in September. The office's mandate is to ensure government departments make their information accessible without violating privacy laws.

She's implemented a new system that gives investigators 60 days to speak with both sides to look for an informal resolution.

If that doesn't work, the file goes to her.

"Ideally, based on my experience in B.C., I think it will take us more than a year to get through the backlog of 235 files, but as I say, it's a priority and the very early indications are that we've had some success with these early resolutions," she said. 

Tully's staff are dealing with the oldest files first. Information requests from 2009 to 2011 have all been assigned to investigators.