Wednesday, June 30, 2010

UK Freedom of Information Blog: Government accepts academies ...

http://foia.blogspot.com/2010/06/government-accepts-academies-should-be.html
Government accepts academies should be subject to FOI Act. Schools minister Lord Hill of Oareford has confirmed that the government accepts academy schools should be public authorities for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act. ...
UK Freedom of Information Blog - http://foia.blogspot.com/

Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomes new Information Commissioner

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=/index&nid=544589
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today welcomed Canada's new Information Commissioner, Suzanne Legault, whose appointment was recently approved by the Senate and the House of Commons. This appointment is effective immediately.

@IdeaGov, 6/30/10 11:27 AM

Alan W. Silberberg (@IdeaGov)
6/30/10 11:27 AM
RT @OpenGovTV: Why Govt Websites Should Be Archived http://bit.ly/d50aPD #opengov #gov20

Sent with Twitter for iPhone

CareerBeacon.com: Program Administration Officer I - II (Records Analyst) (Halifax, Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management)

http://www.careerbeacon.com/search/en/-1/-1/14/-1/0/0/0/0/0/0/3/MB1006282588

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

CSIS and the lure of secrecy - CBC.ca

CSIS and the lure of secrecy - CBC.ca: "


CBC.ca

CSIS and the lure of secrecy
CBC.ca
The consultants also reviewed the practices of allied services and its final report — obtained by Canadian Press through a freedom of information request ...

and more »
"

Cabinet secrecy opens door to legal challenge

Cabinet secrecy opens door to legal challenge: "As crews dismantle the massive security fence from the G20 summit, questions are piling up about a secret cabinet decision giving police immense power to ...
See all stories on this topic »"

The Open House Project: The Day in Transparency 6/29/2010

The Open House Project: The Day in Transparency 6/29/2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

Transparency of authorities: opportunities and restrictions W Prüfungsarbeit

http://www.dgra-online.de/studiengang/pdf/master_corvey_n.pdf

Transparency initiatives teeter off balance

Transparency initiatives teeter off balance: "One company, facing the loss of a five-year, $230 million contract, received a summary of the cost analysis only after filing a Freedom of Information Act ...

See all stories on this topic"

Saturday, June 26, 2010

FOI does not require disclosure of BBC report, rules Court of ...

http://innertemplelibrary.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/foi-does-not-require-disclosure-of-bbc-report-rules-court-of-appeal-out-law-com/
"The BBC does not have to publish a report into its Middle East coverage, the Court of Appeal has ruled. A Freedom of Information (FOI) Act exemption for journalism applies to material even if it is held for other purposes, ...
Current Awareness - http://innertemplelibrary.wordpress.com/

The Times Record: News - Bonanza Mayor Fined On FOI Charge

http://swtimes.com/news/article_581b3f38-7a1e-11df-9e8f-001cc4c002e0.html
GREENWOOD - During a brief appearance in Greenwood District Court Wednesday, Bonanza Mayor Rocky Heath pleaded no contest to violating the Arkansas Freedom ...
swtimes.com/.../article_581b3f38-7a1e-11df-9e8f-001cc4c00...

Leader; Defending FOI legislation

http://www.examiner.co.uk/views-and-blogs/comment/2010/06/26/leader-defending-foi-legislation-86081-26728658/
The media and many individuals have found the FOI law a useful tool in getting councils and other public bodies to be more open and transparent about what ...
See all stories on this topic

Friday, June 25, 2010

@OpenGovTV, 6/25/10 7:03 PM

Open Government TV (@OpenGovTV)
6/25/10 7:03 PM
Everyone's talking about citizen engagement. What is it? http://bit.ly/cL4Q5A #opengov #gov20

Sent with Twitter for iPhone

Freudenthal v. Cheyenne Newspapers, Inc., 2010 WY 80 - Wyo: Supreme Court 2010 - Google Scholar

http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=17577696893867906091&hl=en&lr=lang_en&as_sdt=2002&as_vis=1&oi=scholaralrt&ct=alrt&cd=0

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND DEMOCRACY IN PRACTICE—AARHUS CONVENTION PRINCIPLES AS DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTION BUILDING IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD

http://www.epubs.utah.edu/index.php/jlrel/article/viewFile/335/275
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

Canadian Bar Association National Access and Privacy Law Section conference ‘Privacy and Access Rights in the Age of Technology’ Ottawa Sept 19/20th

Canadian Bar Association National Access and Privacy Law Section conference 'Privacy and Access Rights in the Age of Technology' Ottawa Sept 19/20th

From: Mary Kennedy [mailto:kennemg@gov.ns.ca]
Sent: June-25-10 1:07 PM
To: foipop@kil-mx-1.ucis.dal.ca
Subject: Privacy and Access Rights in the Age of Technology

Good Afternoon Colleagues,

The Canadian Bar Association National Access and Privacy Law Section has organized a conference in Ottawa for September 19/20. Below is the information with respect to the program and registration particulars. I'd encourage you to share information about this conference with your jurisdiction's 'access and privacy community'.

Enjoy your weekend.

Regards,

Dulcie

If you experience problems viewing this e-mail, visit http://www.cba.org/pd/details.aspx?id=NA_PRV10

Canadian Bar Association
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development

Privacy and Access Rights in the Age of Technology: The State of Canadians' Information Rights in 2010 and Beyond

September 19-20, 2010
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel
150 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON

Presented by the National Privacy and Access Law Section and the Professional Development Committee of the Canadian Bar Association.

Register Now!

Canada is a global leader in privacy and access to information law, on both the federal and provincial levels. Privacy and confidentiality of information is protected in the private and public sectors, and is balanced with the concepts of transparency and accountability. However, the rights provided in the laws are evolving as new technologies and global developments create challenges for both privacy and access. Issues of privacy on the Internet and consumer rights in an electronic health system are pushing the boundaries of existing legislation. In the access sphere, technology is facilitating a shift from reactive disclosure to "open government".

This conference will bring together regulators and access administrators from the federal and provincial governments to discuss these challenges. They will be joined by some of the foremost thinkers in academia and industry as well as lawyers and privacy professionals from within government and the private sector.

As privacy and access to information laws continue to evolve, and Canada continues to be a leader, the conference is your opportunity to hear thought leaders and join in the discussion of recent developments and the issues that Canada will face in the future as technology continues to globalize information.

Visit the CBA website for the complete conference agenda and to register.

Register Now

DATE

September 19-20, 2010

CONTACT

Ashley Woodford
CBA National Office
ashleyw@cba.org
613-237-2925;
1-800-267-8860, ext. 186

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

-This program has been approved for 6.5 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by the Law Societies of British Columbia and Northwest Territories

-The Law Society of New Brunswick

-The Law Society of Prince Edward Island

-This program has been approved for 6.5 hours of recognized Professional Development by the Barreau du Quebec

-The Law Society of Saskatchewan

© 2010 Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.

Censored government documents anger AUPE - Edmonton Sun

Censored government documents anger AUPE - Edmonton Sun: "


Censored government documents anger AUPE
Edmonton Sun
Then, when the union filed a freedom-of-information request for a report on the stategy, it came back so heavily censored that it revealed nothing. ...

"

Naming names - Edmonton Journal

Naming names - Edmonton Journal: "


Naming names
Edmonton Journal
Last June, the Workers' Compensation Board rejected the Herald's freedom-of-information request for names of companies paying a surcharge because of high ...

and more »
"

Our view on open records: When you sign a petition, you shouldn't expect privacy - USATODAY.com

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2010-06-25-editorial25_ST_N.htm

FOI does not require disclosure of BBC report, rules Court of Appeal

FOI does not require disclosure of BBC report, rules Court of Appeal: "A Freedom of Information (FOI) Act exemption for journalism applies to material even if it is held for other purposes, said the Court. ...

See all stories on this topic"

Home Office error reveals how FOI request handled

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/opensecrets/2010/06/home_office_error_reveals_how_foi_request_handled.html
The Home Office postponed an FOI release of research on drugs policy because it wanted "to avoid a focus on the gaps in the evidence base" on the effect of ...
See all stories on this topic

Info Commissioner must justify why stats data are personal

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/25/personal_statistical_data/
This state of affairs is the result of the fact the Commissioner has to publish a Decision Notice in relation to a disputed FOI request, whereas there is no ...
See all stories on this topic

Supreme Court of Canada Upholds Constitutionality of Publication Bans in Bail Hearings, Media Outlets Unhappy

Supreme Court of Canada Upholds Constitutionality of Publication Bans in Bail Hearings, Media Outlets Unhappy: "

Case Considered: Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd. v. Canada, 2010 SCC 21, an appeal from the Courts of Appeal of Ontario (Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd. v. Canada, 2009 ONCA 59) and Alberta (R. v. White, 2008 ABCA 294).


The Supreme Court of Canada recently dealt with appeals from Ontario (Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd. v. Canada) and Alberta (R. v. White) wherein several media outlets challenged the constitutionality of s. 517 of the Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c.C-46, which sets out when judges must impose a mandatory publication ban for evidence heard in bail proceedings. In the White case, the Alberta Court of Appeal had determined that while Criminal Code s. 517 violates freedom of expression under Charter s. 2(b), it can nevertheless be saved by Charter s. 1 as reasonable and justifiable in a free and democratic society (see my previous post on White).


(more…)

"

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Nickles Takes on Transparency | NBC Washington

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Nickles-Takes-on-Transparency-97051669.html

OMB launches website to publicly hold agencies accountable for improper payments

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100624_7077.php
Error rates and amounts publicized on site; Internet users encouraged
to report fraud, waste or abuse.

ICO dissatisfied with IPCC response to FoIrequests

http://www.policeprofessional.com/news.aspx?id=10630
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) must respond to overdue freedom of information (FoI) requests by the end of September following the ...
See all stories on this topic

Coordinator, Freedom of Information - Corporate Office - Canada

Coordinator, Freedom of Information - Corporate Office - Canada:
Build on your career... More Info

Home

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© 2009 Fraser...

From Fraser Health - 24 Jun 2010 05:59:12 GMT
- job details
- View all jobs"

FOI request highlights local authority absence rates

FOI request highlights local authority absence rates: "Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by The Daily Telegraph have found that employees at some councils are taking more than 12.5 days off ...

See all stories on this topic"

FoI requesters strike an early success for data hunters | David ...

FoI requesters strike an early success for data hunters David ...: "The information, out on Friday, may well come as a surprise to many parents if schools have kept their interest a secret – but it's proof of the value of FOI in the quest for current affairs data. This entry was posted in Freedom Of ...


David Higgerson - http://davidhiggerson.wordpress.com/
"

Thomaston absolved in FOI lawsuit

Thomaston absolved in FOI lawsuit: ""We received word regarding the FOI Commission hearing," said Mr. Mone. "They've dismissed the complaints on the EDC. The conditions of the dismissal are ...

See all stories on this topic"

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

FOI this week in Canada

Harper concerned that RCMP apology in Dziekanski case was not genuine
Globe and Mail - Ian Bailey - ‎Jun 16, 2010‎
... Commissioner Gary Bass discusses the apology in an e-mail among documents released by the RCMP Wednesday in fulfilling an access-to-information request. ...

Mobster's murder case still shrouded in secrecy
Toronto Sun - Alan Shanoff - ‎Jun 19, 2010‎
So they filed an access to information request seeking various documents, including the OPP report detailing the investigation along with a Crown attorney ...

Former Canadian ambassador guilty of slander
Toronto Star - Denise Balkissoon - ‎Jun 16, 2010‎
He made an Access to Information request. A year later, he received 200 pages of blacked-out emails. Frustrated, he contacted lawyers Murray Klippenstein ...

Feds fail on harbour
London Free Press - Chip Martin - ‎Jun 17, 2010‎
An access-to-information request he filed 18 months ago has yet to produce a reply. The retired rear admiral from the Canadian Navy said he only learned of ...

Roadside brush clearing practical: HeddersonNor'Wester - Billy Canning - ‎Jun 17, 2010‎
But according to briefing documents obtained by The nor'wester through an access to information request, it suggests clearing roadside brush isn't the best ...


Fifty-one people hurt in ski lift accidents across B.C. in 2009

Vancouver Sun - Larry Pynn - ‎Jun 21, 2010‎
According to the Canada West Ski Areas Association, BC ski hills logged 5.8 million skier visits in the winter of 2008-09, down from 6.6 million visits in ...

Why does BC hate the HST more than us?
London Free Press - Geoff Turner - ‎Jun 18, 2010‎
Tieleman pointed to a memo produced by a Canadian Press freedom of information request that showed the BC government was in talks with the federal ...

RTKCNS - NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING / TELECONFERENCE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING / TELECONFERENCE

Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia

Date / time: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 10:00 a.m.

Location (in-person participation): Suite 1800, 1801 Hollis Street, Halifax

Call in instructions (telephone participation): TBA

Agenda:


1. Annual report of the President
2. Annual financial report of the Treasurer
3. Other annual reports
4. Election of Directors
5. Election of Officers
6. Other business

Government Still Confused How To Manage E-Documents As Records

Government Still Confused How To Manage E-Documents As Records: "

(From Friday)



Agencies' practice of printing out electronic documents to archive, weak oversight and unclear guidance as to which e-mail messages should be saved have increased the likelihood that federal managers have destroyed important government information that should be stored for historical purposes, federal managers and records experts told lawmakers on Thursday.



Until recently, federal agencies typically printed digital documents to file as official records rather than use electronic archiving systems that save the files in their original form, professional archivists and federal IT executives told members of the House Oversight Information Policy, Census and National Archives Subcommittee. As e-mail use in government expanded during the past years, agencies have deleted or lost potentially important digital records, they said.



Continue reading on NextGov.com.

"

Data.gov To House New APIs

Data.gov To House New APIs: "

A series of new application programming interfaces - tools that facilitate interaction between datasets and other software programs - will make it easier for developers to play and interact with the content on Data.gov, the online repository of federal information and a cornerstone of the open government initiative.



But those are just the preliminary steps to establishing a self-running ecosystem that will convert raw government data into valuable content and interesting applications, a White House technology expert said last week at a government IT forum.



Continue reading on NextGov.com.

"

Government rights group spent $500K on outside help: documents - National Post

Government rights group spent $500K on outside help: documents - National Post:

National Post
And the redaction of board minutes obtained by the National Post through an access-to-information request suggests their transparency has its limits. ...

Monday, June 21, 2010

FOIreveals how costs of Crown Prosecution Service website ...

http://worldbbnews.com/2010/06/foi-reveals-how-costs-of-crown-prosecution-service-website-ballooned-past-budget/
After details of the UK Supreme Court's expensive website emerged, another FOI request has shown how the CPS site has spent more than expected for the past ...
worldbbnews.com/.../foi-reveals-how-costs-of-crown-prosecut...

Stronger FoI bill filed in 15th Congress | Manila Bulletin

Stronger FoI bill filed in 15th Congress Manila Bulletin: "Party-list group Bayan Muna vowed Tuesday to refile the controversial Freedom of Information (FoI) bill in the 15th Congress, but said the piece they would ...

www.mb.com.ph/node/262161/"

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Editorial: Oil spill documents are urgent and should be public

http://blog.al.com/press-register-commentary/2010/06/editorial_oil_spill_documents_are_urgent_and_should_be_public.html
If the president is going to insist on transparency and open government, those goals apply to bad news, too. Open government means being open with the ...
See all stories on this topic

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Supreme Court of Canada Creates Limited Right to Access Government Documents

http://www.blakes.com/english/view.asp?ID=4041
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario upheld the Ministry's decision. The case went to the Ontario Divisional Court, where the CLA argued that ...
See all stories on this topic

IPCC compelled to process FoIrequests | Kable

http://www.kable.co.uk/independent-police-complaints-commission-foi-ico-18jun10
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has taken action against the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for repeated Freedom of Information failures.
Kable | Kable - http://www.kable.co.uk/

Major urges cabinet to react swiftly on security report

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/major-urges-cabinet-to-react-swiftly-on-security-report/article1610317/
"We had to dig it out ourselves," he said, adding that Ottawa's reflexive secrecy delayed his mission. Now that he's finally home, he is eager for a ...
See all stories on this topic

St. Thomas Times-Journal Mobile

Date: Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:58:46 -0300

http://m.stthomastimesjournal.com/article.aspx?a=2629992

Friday, June 18, 2010

Data Analyst position- MAPLight.org illuminates the connection between money and politics

http://transparencyjobs.com/jobs/134/
Data Analyst Full-time MAPLight.org http://maplight.org/
MAPLight.org
, an innovative, award-winning nonprofit, is seeking a
Data Analyst. This position is full-time and based in downtown
Berkeley, California (close to BART).

MAPLight.org illuminates the connection between money and politics in
unprecedented ways. Our groundbreaking website links campaign
contributions with how legislators vote, revealing how money and
politics affect the specific issues people care about. This is an
excellent opportunity to learn about all aspects of a nonprofit,
mission-based organization.

The Data Analyst assists the Research Director, along with the
technical team and other MAPLight.org staff, in all aspects of the
organization, primarily by ensuring that the data that the
organization publishes is 100% correct and that the processes for
ensuring data accuracy are as efficient as possible. The research and
tech teams work in concert to troubleshoot and improve current data
streams as well as design and implement site improvements and research
tools.

Responsibilities include:

Define and implement acquisition, mapping, loading and QA strategies
for new and existing data sets
Manage these operational processes
Use SQL and related tools to analyze data tables and reverse-engineer
undocumented data dictionaries and analyze values for accuracy, trends
and outliers
Document requirements and technical specs for data processes and tools
aid in data management
Provide input on requirements and data-related aspects of specs for
other applications, including the MAPLight.org website
Provide ad hoc SQL queries and generate reports on deadline
Communicating and coordinating with data partners
Other duties as assigned
Required qualifications:

Intermediate to advanced SQL skills
Ability to track down problems and fix them without documentation
Desire to document new and existing processes
100% attention to detail, 100% accurate
Computer-savvy, web-savvy
Excellent organizational skills
Good oral and written communication skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Personal dedication to MAPLight.org's mission and work
Desired skills:

Experience in data modeling and schema design
Experience in designing and testing Web applications
Ability to integrate new research tools and processes
This position is full-time, with salary depending on experience. This
position is available immediately and includes health benefits and
paid vacation. Come work with us on the cutting edge of government
transparency and accountability.

About MAPLight.org:

MAPLight.org, a groundbreaking public database, illuminates the
connection between campaign donations and legislative votes in
unprecedented ways. Elected officials collect large sums of money to
run their campaigns, and they often pay back campaign contributors
with special access and favorable laws. This common practice is
contrary to the public interest, yet legal. MAPLight.org makes money/
vote connections transparent, to help citizens hold their legislators
accountable.

MAPLight.org's small, effective team has won numerous awards,
including a 2008 Webby award nomination for best Politics website.
Learn more at http://maplight.org

How to Apply:

To apply, send cover letter and resume to DeAnna Dalton, Development
Associate, at deanna@maplight.org. Please reference "Data Analyst"
in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis,
and the position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please. MAPLight.org
is an equal opportunity employer.

Access to information not a constitutional right, Supreme Court rules

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/825264--access-to-information-not-a-constitutional-right-supreme-court-rules
The case pitted privacy commissioners, media and civil liberties organizations against the federal government and seven provinces, which argued access to ...
See all stories on this topic

More transparency, governance and integrity in Government contracting

http://www.transparency.org/news_room/latest_news/press_releases_nc/2010/2010_06_18_malaysia_contracting
More transparency, governance and integrity in Government contracting

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Court upholds restrictions on public's right to government information

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/Court+upholds+restrictions+public+right+government+information/3165815/story.html
By Janice Tibbetts, Canwest News Service June 17, 2010 11:02 AM The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Thursday that the freedom of expression protection in the ...
See all stories on this topic

Transparency Made Easy: How to Make the Government More Open and Accountable

http://blog.sunlightfoundation.com/2010/06/16/transparency-made-easy-how-to-make-the-government-more-open-and-accountable/

Congressional staff are invited to attend

Transparency Made Easy:
How to Make the Government More Open and Accountable

Topics for discussion:
* Contractor performance oversight
* Access to federal court records (PACER)
* Online access to Congressional Ethics Information

Tuesday, June 22 from 2-3:15
Rayburn 2203

Panelists:
Bill Allison, Editorial Director, Sunlight Foundation
Scott Amey, General Counsel, Project on Government Oversight
Harlan Yu, Center for Information Technology at Princeton
Moderator: Daniel Schuman, Director, Advisory Committee on Transparency

Organized by:
The Advisory Committee on Transparency
A project of the Sunlight Foundation

All congressional staff are welcome to attend. There will be a brief introduction, an overview of the issues by the invited panelists, and a group discussion that will address your questions and concerns.

If you would like to receive notices of future discussions, or to RSVP, email
ACT(at)sunlightfoundation.com

The purpose of the Advisory Committee on Transparency is to share ideas with Members of the Congressional Transparency Caucus and educate policymakers on transparency-related issues, problems, and solutions.

Visit http://transparencycaucus.org for more information

A How-To Guide for Creating Open Government

http://www.govtech.com/gt/case_study/765333
In January 2009, just a few days after his inauguration, President Barack Obama published a memorandum on "Transparency and Open Government. ...
See all stories on this topic

Civil servant southern sojourn stretched six more months

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9016886.html
Ramona Jennex, minister of Service Nova Scotia, said Thursday that the ... Herald obtained under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. ...

Supreme Court says report on botched slaying probe can be suppressed - The Globe and Mail

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/supreme-court-says-report-on-botched-slaying-probe-can-be-suppressed/article1607419/?service=mobile
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Pact ensures sensitive detainee files will remain sealed - The Globe and Mail

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/pact-ensures-sensitive-detainee-files-will-remain-sealed/article1606609/?service=mobile
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

The Day in Transparency 6/16/2010 | The Open House Project

http://www.theopenhouseproject.com/2010/06/16/the-day-in-transparency-6162010/

UK Freedom of Information Blog: Enforcement action taken after ...

UK Freedom of Information Blog: Enforcement action taken after ...: "The Information Commissioner's Office has taken enforcement action against the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for failing to respond to FOI requests within the 20 day time limit. The enforcement notice states: ...


UK Freedom of Information Blog - http://foia.blogspot.com/
"

Washington's I.T. Guy: One man's quest to liberate all government information -- with or without the government's help

Washington's I.T. Guy
One man's quest to liberate all government information -- with or without the government's help

Shortly after Barack Obama's election, as progressive activists and Democratic operatives were jockeying for positions large and small within the new administration, Carl Malamud launched a quixotic campaign for an appointment as the director of the U.S. Government Printing Office. The public printer's task, historically, has been to compile and distribute to the American people the considerable amount of information produced each day by the federal government.

 

Ruling reserved in hospital challenge to request for data

Ruling reserved in hospital challenge to request for data: "In 2004, she was told the hospital could not, because of prohibitions on disclosure of “personal information” in the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), ...

See all stories on this topic"

Sunlight Foundation: Stories to start the day

Sunlight Foundation: Stories to start the day: "

1) The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) opened a preliminary probe into the fundraising activities of eight lawmakers, according to The Hill. The focus of the inquiry appears to be fundraising around the financial reform package. Seven of the eight lawmakers who have been asked to turn over documents sit on the House Financial Services [...]


Read more...

"

Sunlight Foundation Reporting Group: States of Transparency: Kentucky

Sunlight Foundation Reporting Group: States of Transparency: Kentucky: "

While Kentucky has one of the country's most highly rated open government websites, OpenDoor.Ky.Gov, there is still much the state could do to provide more information in friendlier formats to reporters and the public. The site, launched by Governor Steve Beshear in January 2009, was rated best in the country by USPIRG in its April survey of state government spending sites. It features a searchable database of expenditures, contracts and salaries. Users can see, for example, that the Department of Corrections spent $1.9 million on overtime payments in 2009 (as compared to nearly $130 million on salaries), or that the Highways Department spent $105 million on highway repairs. Users can also look up an individual vendor to find out how much it received. The site's biggest strength is its timeliness. Expenditure and contract information is updated on a daily basis. According to Greg Haskamp, a member of the state's e-Transparency Task Force, the online information is as timely and accurate as the state accounting system itself. Salary information is updated automatically twice a month, as it's updated in the personnel files. For reporters wanting to analyze the data, however, OpenDoor.ky.gov has significant limitations. The data is currently not downloadable, and columns aren't sortable. So if a vendor has received 15 pages worth of contracts, its very difficult, for example, to determine what the highest individual payment was, or to extract contracts for a particular date range. Haskamp says public requests drive the site's offerings, so if Kentuckians complain about these missing functions, there's a better shot they'll be included. In the meantime, it would be nice to see the state expand from housing just spending data on OpenDoor to including other types of records in that central location. Currently much of the data that would be interesting to reporters is scattered across various sites; for example, decisions by the state's Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission are posted on that agency's site (in unsearchable, unsortable PDF format). The Kentucky Labor Cabinet has statistics about worker injury claims, but again, they're not machine readable, and they're located on the Labor Cabinet's site.Read all about it


Read more...

"

Update on Rights and Democracy Access-to-Information Request - Macleans.ca

Update on Rights and Democracy Access-to-Information Request - Macleans.ca: "


Update on Rights and Democracy Access-to-Information Request
Macleans.ca
by Michael Petrou on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 3:31pm - 20 Comments Last November, I made an access-to-information request to the Privy Council Office asking ...

"

Don Martin: Ulterior motives behind sudden MP activity

Don Martin: Ulterior motives behind sudden MP activity: "The detainee document deal finds a reasonable middle ground between the government's desire for all-out secrecy and the opposition parties' demand for ...

See all stories on this topic"

Watchdog to probe police FoI handling

Watchdog to probe police FoI handling: "The Australian revealed last week that Ombudsman George Brouwer had been asked to investigate a string of alleged breaches of the FOI Act by Victoria Police ...

See all stories on this topic"

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Deal reached: AG can look at MP expenses - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9016859.html

FOI'led again! Irish digital journalist opens government to ...

FOI'led again! Irish digital journalist opens government to ...: "Employing evolving techniques of data-driven journalism, process journalism and computer assisted reporting, he's using digital technology and Ireland's Freedom of Information (FOI) laws to nudge the Irish government towards ...


MEDIA PING - http://johnleemedia.wordpress.com/
"

Better oversight will serve police as well as public - TheChronicleHerald.ca

Better oversight will serve police as well as public - TheChronicleHerald.ca - TheChronicleHerald.ca


... via email communication between the RCMP and Halifax police that was obtained by the Wagmatcook band in response to an access-to-information request. ...




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Council defends £6.3m spent on travel expenses

Council defends £6.3m spent on travel expenses: "Following a request made by Coun Shuttleworth under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, it emerged that between April 1, last year, and March 31, ...

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Two MPs receive awards for integrity

Two MPs receive awards for integrity: "As special minister of state, Senator Faulkner developed reforms of freedom of information (FOI), protection of whistleblowers, plus codes of conduct for ...

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Accountability measures needed to safeguard climate financing

Accountability measures needed to safeguard climate financing: "As the first tranches of US$30 billion in fast-start climate change financing begins to trickle to recipient countries, Transparency International (TI) is calling on governments to work towards strong governance measures that can safeguard current and future climate change financing."

Facebook Group - Make Canadian MP expenses public (not affiliated with RTKCNS)

Make Canadian MP expenses public
 
Make Canadian MP expenses public
 
Description:
Our politicians in Ottawa won't let the Auditor General examine their $500 million in annual expenses. How appalling is that? What do they have to hide?

Every other penny of government spending is subject to audit; it should be no different for expenses racked up by our MPs and senators.

While they claim they have "guidelines" in place to ensure the funds aren't misused, "guidelines" didn't stop politicians in Nova Scotia from expensing a video game or a UK politician from expensing a porn rental.

We need your help to get these books opened!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=127235437290829

 
 
(this Facebook group is not affiliated with RTKCNS)

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Friday, June 11, 2010

Slashdot Developers Story | Open Data and a Critical Citizenry

http://developers.slashdot.org/story/10/06/11/2124216/Open-Data-and-a-Critical-Citizenry?from=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Slashdot%2Fslashdot+%28Slashdot%29

A Simple Request – A Small Town Experiment in Open Government — Making Government Transparent and Accountable - Sunlight Foundation Blog

http://blog.sunlightfoundation.com/2010/06/10/a-simple-request-a-small-town-experiment-in-open-government/

thestar.com iPhone : Top court upholds publication bans for bail hearings

http://www.thestar.com/iphone/news/canada/article/821850--top-court-upholds-publication-bans-for-bail-hearings

thestar.com iPhone : Journalism groups rebuke Tory government over tight information controls

http://www.thestar.com/iphone/news/canada/article/822082--journalism-groups-rebuke-tory-government-over-tight-information-controls

Government staff used private computers for some files, corruption trial told- The Globe and Mail

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/government-staff-used-private-computers-for-some-files-corruption-trial-told/article1599652/?service=mobile

FOISpringdale: Business Intelligence Report

http://foiaspringdale.blogspot.com/2010/06/business-intelligence-report.html
FOI Springdale. Transparency is an idea whose time has come. Thursday, June 10, 2010. Business Intelligence Report. In an effort to look like you're getting something for your money, the Chamber of Commerce is now distributing what they ...
FOI Springdale - http://foiaspringdale.blogspot.com/

AUPE seeks Information and Privacy Commissioner inquiry on Alberta ...

http://www.savealbertahospital.com/?p=615
"Through the freedom of information (FOI) process, we have tried diligently to obtain the background information and rationale for Stephen Duckett's decision to cancel AHE's redevelopment and received almost nothing. ...
Save Alberta Hospital - http://www.savealbertahospital.com/

A loss for open courts

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/822025--a-loss-for-open-courts
The Supreme Court has delivered a ruling on publication bans that will maintain a shroud of secrecy over bail hearings. It is a disappointing outcome that ...
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Premier’s charter-jet trip to announce hydro project support cost nearly $9,000 -The Globe and Mail

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/premiers-charter-jet-trip-to-announce-hydro-project-support-cost-nearly-9000/article1600094/?service=mobile

Thursday, June 10, 2010

FOI reveals how costs of Crown Prosecution Service website ...

http://www.pjnews.org/?p=7089
After details of the UK Supreme Court's expensive website emerged, another FOI request has shown how the CPS site has spent more than expected for the past five.
Daily News| Latest Daily News... - http://www.pjnews.org/

Recommended change would send more FOIdecisions to court (in BC ...

http://www.bcvote.ca/?p=19279
A ruling earlier this week by British Columbia's acting information and privacy commissioner Paul Fraser shows what's wrong with a committee's recommended.
BC Vote - http://www.bcvote.ca/

The problem with transparency - The Guardian

http://m.guardian.co.uk/?id=102202&story=http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jun/08/problem-transparent-government

Public officials could benefit from FOI seminar

Public officials could benefit from FOI seminar: "By Heber Taylor Through the years, local governments in Galveston County have done some amazing things in trampling on the rights of ordinary residents. ...

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Guess whose access laws are more open than Nova Scotia's?

Guess whose access laws are more open than Nova Scotia's?: "It is perhaps ironic that Nova Scotians and Canadians put up with a level of secrecy that the citizens of countries like India, Mexico and Bulgaria never ...

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Tuesday, June 08, 2010

N.S. to take 'first step' in making MLA spending more open - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9016787.html

B.C. town says Olympic pavilion under budget, but keeps higher tally hidden - Winnipeg Free Press

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/bc-town-says-olympic-pavilion-under-budget-but-keeps-higher-tally-hidden-95843909.html

Open Source for America to Measure Openness and Transparency Across U.S. Federal Government Agencies | Business Wire

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100608005749&newsLang=en

Western Canada Gives Mixed Results on Freedom of Information Audit

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Western-Canada-Gives-Mixed-Results-on-Freedom-of-Information-Audit-1272945.htm

Orszag: Government Behind the IT Times — Making Government Transparent and Accountable - Sunlight Foundation Blog

http://blog.sunlightfoundation.com/2010/06/08/oraszag-government-behind-the-it-times/

MP’s rental scheme ups pressure for general audit

The Centre Block on Parliament Hill, containin...Image via Wikipedia
MP’s rental scheme ups pressure for general audit




By STEPHEN MAHER Ottawa Bureauand GLEN McGREGOR Ottawa Citizen

Tue. Jun 8 - 4:53 AM

OTTAWA — The Canadian Taxpayers Federation plans to launch a publicity campaign today to pressure MPs into opening their books to auditor general Sheila Fraser in response to a Chronicle Herald-Ottawa Citizen investigation that found a Liberal MP has been claiming $22,000 a year in expenses for rent she pays to her children.



http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1186331.html
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What FOI Told you today: Fourteen Manitoba prisoners have been released from jail by mistake since the beginning of 2007

Winnipeg Sun logo used from 1999 until 2004.Image via Wikipedia
Prisoners accidentally freed


By PAUL TURENNE, Winnipeg Sun



Last Updated: June 7, 2010 1:44pm


Fourteen Manitoba prisoners have been released from jail by mistake since the beginning of 2007, according to statistics obtained by the Opposition Tories.



The Tories released figures Monday that they received from Manitoba Justice through an access to information request related to accidental releases from custody.



The figures show that three people have been released from custody by mistake so far in 2010. Similar mistakes happened six times in 2009, twice in 2008, three times in 2007 and not once in 2006, according to the same document.

Full Article: http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/manitoba/2010/06/07/14294661.html
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Learn about your right to know at FOI seminar

Learn about your right to know at FOI seminar: "By Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas GALVESTON — Residents and public officials will have the opportunity June 18 to learn how to use and how to ...

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Sunday, June 06, 2010

Friday, June 04, 2010

Absence of House members kills Freedom of Info bill - Nation - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

http://www9.gmanews.tv/story/192676/absence-of-house-members-kills-freedom-of-info-bill

A changing landscape: the FOI Act and internal communications - Public Service

http://www.publicservice.co.uk/feature_story.asp?id=14220

WRHA can keep inquest lawyer fees private - Winnipeg Free Press

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/wrha-can-keep-inquest-lawyer-fees-private-95597804.html

Government spent £1.8 billion on consultants - Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/7804353/Government-spent-1.8-billion-on-consultants.html

House slays information bill

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/18813-house-slays-information-bill-

Halifax AG to cast wide net in reviews - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1185659.html

GuelphMercury.com - News - Firm behind Guelph Remastered blocks access to contract details

Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2010 11:09:44 -0300

http://news.guelphmercury.com/News/article/640980

Washington state faster than B.C. in responding

Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2010 11:08:37 -0300

http://www.vancouversun.com/mobile/story.html?id=3105821

Audit secrecy not cabinet's fault: Steele

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/06/03/ns-ndp-business-documents.html
"No decision was taken by cabinet to deny access to information. ... said his office never received about 200 documents from Nova Scotia Business Inc. and ...

thestar.com iPhone : Canada’s new information czar vows to take on delays in access system

http://www.thestar.com/iphone/news/canada/article/818516--canada-s-new-information-czar-vows-to-take-on-delays-in-access-system?bn=1

One thing in public, another thing in private

Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2010 11:06:34 -0300

http://www.canada.com/mobile/iphone/story.html?id=3109549

Thursday, June 03, 2010

PM Nominates Next Information Commissioner

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=/index&nid=537359
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the nomination of
Suzanne Legault as the new Information Commissioner.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Provincial gambling executives spent lavishly on own expenses, audit finds - Vancouver Sun

Every piece of council spending over £500 to be made public. A ...

Every piece of council spending over £500 to be made public. A ...: "This is still a massive step forward on many other councils – think of how many hide behind the commercial confidentiality exemption with FOI – but does demonstrate the devil will be in the detail of Cameron's announcement. ...


David Higgerson - http://davidhiggerson.wordpress.com/
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