Consultant offers few answers to Prince Rupert citizens

Consultant offers few answers to Prince Rupert citizens

Published: October 27, 2008 9:00 PM

Updated: October 28, 2008 7:18 AM

George Paul, the consultant hired by the city to investigate the hiring of Tanalee Hesse, appeared in council chambers on October 27 to address questions raised by the concerned citizens group last week. But for the most part he left the future of those requests in the hands of the committee.

In terms of papers or reports prepared by Hesse and the request for all documents provided to him by the city, Paul noted that they were both reasonable requests but that the members of the committee should file a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request to properly obtain the documents in a "professional and proper manner".

"The credibility of the [FOI] process is enhanced if it is done through the proper channels. The FOI process is a very viable and appropriate one. The officer responsible for FOI requests needs to go through the exchanges to determine which are releasable, which would infringe on privacy and which are subject to solicitor/client privilege," he said, noting that the FOI process also allows the requester to appeal decisions made by the City in the release of the information.

"There are certainly things I would not provide. I have corresponded with and received documents from your solicitor and that would not be released...Certainly a large amount of the documents would be releasable."

…

 
 

FULL ARTICLE: <http://www.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=The+Northern+View+-+Your+Best+source+for+Local+Community+News+delivered+in+print+or+online&expire=&urlID=32023776&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bclocalnews.com%2Fbc_north%2Fthenorthernview%2Fnews%2F33426459.html&partnerID=243257>