Right to Know Coalition meets with new Minister of Justice for Nova Scotia
Image by erjkprunczyk via Flickr
RIGHT TO KNOW COALITION MEETS WITH NEW MINISTER OF JUSTICE FOR NOVA SCOTIA
(Halifax, NS) The Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia is hopeful that Nova Scotians will see improvements in transparency and access to government information following a meeting with the new Minister of Justice, Ross Landry.
Right to Know president Darce Fardy and board member Brian Awad used the meeting to advocate for reduced Freedom of Information application and review fees, and shorter review times. The application fee is currently $25, which is the highest in Canada. "We definitely believe that it is an inhibitor," said Fardy in the meeting.
Right to Know also requested that the Minister ask the new Premier to affirm in a formal manner his government's commitment to open and transparent government, and participatory democracy.
"Our proposals are not new to the people with whom we met," said Fardy after the meeting. "Right to Know had put forward the proposals during the recent election campaign. They were well received by the New Democrats at that time."
"Today, we were hosted cordially by the Minister. The 'take-home message' seemed to be that each of our proposals is consistent with the approach that will be taken by the new government, and that each will be worked on or is already being worked on."
"I believe that we will see some positive announcements in the near future," said Fardy.
The Minister of Justice is the member of the Cabinet who is responsible for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia is a not for profit advocacy and education organization that encourages the use and development of freedom-of-information legislation 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.
-30-
31 July 2009
For information contact
Darce Fardy
President
Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia
Posts
