Right to Know Coalition will intervene in the South West Shore Development Authority case
Right to Know Coalition will intervene in the South West Shore Development Authority case The Nova Scotia Supreme Court, in a decision released on November 28, 2007, agreed that the Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia (RTKNS) has a legitimate role in the legal action concerning the South West Shore Regional Development Authority (SWSDA). At issue is whether Nova Scotia's Freedom of Information Act (FOIPOP) applies to the Authority. SWSDA is one of thirteen regional development authorities in Nova Scotia. The Honourable Justice A. David MacAdam agreed with arguments put forward by the Coalition's lawyer, Brian Awad, that FOI is a matter of public interest and is genuinely interested in the issues raised by the case. SWSDA opposed the Coalition's request to intervene. The Coalition asked to be allowed to intervene in a case which involves a request from an applicant for information records from SWSDA.. When the Authority refused the applicant took the matter to court. RTKNS will intervene only on the issue of whether SWSDA is subject to the FOIPOP. "We're very pleased that this decision recognizes the significance of FOI legislation and the advocacy role of the Coalition in the application of that legislation to agencies that deal with public resources," said the Coalition's President, Darce Fardy. The Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia is an advocacy group established in 2006 to encourage the use and development of freedom of information legislation in order to foster a better informed and more politically active electorate in Nova Scotia, and to improve the quality of public and private decision making in the province. RTKNS aims to achieve this mission through both advocacy and education. Darce Fardy President Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia (902) 422-1481 darce@eastlink.ca
Posts
