SEC vs. the media, round two - Jul. 30, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The end of secrecy
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/secrecy/3345178/story.html
Overused, as it is in the United States and Canada (let alone more autocratic nations), secrecy becomes oppressively undemocratic. It hides important facts ...
See all stories on this topic »
Overused, as it is in the United States and Canada (let alone more autocratic nations), secrecy becomes oppressively undemocratic. It hides important facts ...
See all stories on this topic »
Campaigners want more information
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education-news/2010/07/31/campaigners-want-more-information-91466-26967594/
But parents are still waiting for a response from the Assembly Government to their initial FoI query. First Minister Carwyn Jones threw out plans to close ...
See all stories on this topic »
But parents are still waiting for a response from the Assembly Government to their initial FoI query. First Minister Carwyn Jones threw out plans to close ...
See all stories on this topic »
Friday, July 30, 2010
Craigslist creator tries to bring transparency initiative out of the shadows
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100729_5375.php
The Obama administration's open government efforts aren't getting the attention and credit they deserve, Craig Newmark says.
Ministers ordered to release data
http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-scotland-10807062
Mr Dunion said the case, the 1000th his office had dealt with in the five years since Scotland's FoI laws came into force, was "not untypical". ...
See all stories on this topic »
Mr Dunion said the case, the 1000th his office had dealt with in the five years since Scotland's FoI laws came into force, was "not untypical". ...
See all stories on this topic »
FOIFriday: 10 things we've learnt this week thanks to the Freedom ...
http://davidhiggerson.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/foi-friday-10-things-weve-learnt-this-week-thanks-to-the-freedom-of-information-act-23/
Starting this week with a brilliant bit of data which will anger all drinkers and drivers – the number of short measures recorded by trading standards officers in Wales. The Western Mail used FOI to find this out from Welsh councils. ...
David Higgerson - http://davidhiggerson.wordpress.com/
Starting this week with a brilliant bit of data which will anger all drinkers and drivers – the number of short measures recorded by trading standards officers in Wales. The Western Mail used FOI to find this out from Welsh councils. ...
David Higgerson - http://davidhiggerson.wordpress.com/
Secrecy Quote of the Day
Image via Wikipedia-- from the Chronicle Herald Editorial Called 'The limits of secrecy' (Aug 2007)
foi4u: FOI shows 132 more VPD staff join $100000 Club
FOI shows 132 more VPD staff join $100000 Club: "
 |
| CityCaucus.com - Canada's Urban Affairs Source |
See all stories on this topic »"
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Weekly Checklist of Canadian Government Publications Gets New Look
Weekly Checklist of Canadian Government Publications Gets New Look: "The Weekly Checklist of Canadian Government Publications has a new look, as does the federal government publications website.
The Weekly Checklist includes a listing of book and serial titles which have been released during the previous week by the Parliament of Canada, federal departments, and Statistics Canada.
As part of the Web Integration Project, the websites of the the Depository Services Program (DSP) and the federal government Publications service have been merged. The DSP, set up in 1927, ensures that government documents are supplied to a network of more than 700 libraries in Canada and around the world that hold collections of Canadian government publications:
The current website of the DSP will be terminated later this year.'The layout and new look of the home page [of the new merged publications website] has now been designed to make the page more vibrant and visually appealing. The left hand side of the page is sorted by categories, making it much easier to find the exact information you are looking for at a glance. The right hand side of the page provides access to various express links for quick information on selected topics under 'I want to…' The 'Features' category will change periodically to highlight the publications that are being promoted.'
'Our new site also provides improved search functionality with faster and more accurate results. We are now providing “breadcrumb” navigation, a technique which has become increasingly useful to aid users in their navigation of Web sites'
SEC now exempt from FOI requests « Talking Biz News
SEC now exempt from FOI requests « Talking Biz News: "SEC now exempt from FOI requests. 2010 07.28. Dunstan Prial of Fox Business writes that the Securities and Exchange Commission is now exempt from public requests for information, including Freedom of Information Requests, as part of the ...
Talking Biz News - http://weblogs.jomc.unc.edu/talkingbiznews/"
Weekly paper exposes council's FoI inconsistency
Weekly paper exposes council's FoI inconsistency: "But a member of the public who asked for that report specifically was given it under FoI legislation and provided a copy to the newspaper. ...
See all stories on this topic »"
FOI4U: B.C. official briefed on cost of replacing RCMP - Global Toronto
B.C. official briefed on cost of replacing RCMP - Global Toronto: "
B.C. official briefed on cost of replacing RCMP Global Toronto A version of the document written in April was released to The Sun in response to a Freedom of Information request. However, it's so heavily censored it's ... and more » |
Council apologises to paper over FoI failure
Council apologises to paper over FoI failure: "A council has apologised to a weekly newspaper for failing to release a key document that a reporter had requested under the Freedom of Information Act. But ...
See all stories on this topic »"
CBI warns over extending 'freedom' laws
CBI warns over extending 'freedom' laws: "However, ministers have been criticsed for not looking at extending the FoI laws to local government body Cosla, which is currently exempt, so that spending ...
See all stories on this topic »"
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Policy Analyst – Government Transparency
http://transparencyjobs.com/jobs/137/
Policy Analyst – Government Transparency Full-time OMB Watch http://www.ombwatch.org/
Policy Analyst – Government Transparency Full-time OMB Watch http://www.ombwatch.org/
OMB Watch seeks a Policy Analyst to undertake a wide range of activities in support of our work to bring greater transparency and accountability to the way the federal government operates. OMB Watch initiated a campaign that resulted in more than 300 organizations and individuals supporting recommendations to the Obama administration on strengthening the public's right to know (see http://www.ombwatch.org/renewinggovernment). The Policy Analyst will work as part of a team to pursue these policy and technology recommendations to move government into the 21st century and to change the climate within federal agencies so as to promote disclosure.
The Policy Analyst will report to the Director of Federal Information Policy.
General Responsibilities:
• Research – gather information about implementation of government disclosure policies, such as the Open Government Directive, "sensitive but unclassified" policies, and the Freedom of Information Act, from key government agencies.
• Legislative Issues – track and analyze national and state legislation dealing with access to government information; assist in advocacy efforts, including coordination and dissemination of action alerts; and lobby Congress.
• Advocacy – pursue actions to promote policy and programmatic changes that are intended to make government more open, transparent, and accountable.
• Writing and Editing – write articles for our website, articles for our biweekly e-newsletter (The Watcher), posts for our blog (The Fine Print), reports dealing with information policy issues, and other materials as assigned.
• Organize Events – plan and organize events around the country on government transparency; work with attendees, arrange meeting spaces, and draft agendas.
• Website Content Maintenance – manage content for the Government Openness section of the OMB Watch website.
• Other Duties – complete other duties as assigned.
Background and Skills of Candidate
In addition to a strong work ethic and demonstrated interest in policies promoting an open government, candidates should have 1-3 years experience in information policy or related policy field and/or an advanced degree in public policy or similar area. Familiarity with the legislative and regulatory processes would be preferred. Understanding the use and deployment of interactive technologies for public disclosure is a strong plus. A demonstrated commitment to social justice and core OMB Watch values is essential.
Candidates also must have:
• Outstanding organizational skills with strong attention to detail;
• The ability to coordinate numerous responsibilities and meet deadlines;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to excel in a collaborative writing environment;
• Comfort with taking direction and constructive criticism while also demonstrating initiative and the ability to work independently; and
• Experience with Microsoft Office tools.
It would be preferred if candidates:
• Have an advanced degree in public policy or related field;
• Have experience with HTML, website maintenance, and/or use of wikis; and
• Demonstrated policy analysis and advocacy skills, including working in coalitions.
About OMB Watch
OMB Watch is a nonprofit government watchdog organization dedicated to promoting government accountability, citizen participation in public policy decisions, and the use of fiscal and regulatory policy to serve the public interest. OMB Watch believes that government transparency, fostered through the use of interactive technologies, is a powerful tool for achieving our mission. For more information, see http://www.ombwatch.org.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample (2-5 pages) to: ombwatch@ombwatch.org, Subject: Policy Analyst – Government Transparency. You can also mail your application materials to: OMB Watch, Policy Analyst – Government Transparency, 1742 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009.
Salary
$30,000 to $35,000, depending on experience and education; comprehensive benefits.
OMB Watch is an equal opportunity employer.
Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Regarding the Wikileaks issue over the Afghanistan documents
[With respect to the Afghanistan documents published on Wikileaks] There is no doubt that security matters are often legitimately denied.. The problem is that because citizens are losing faith in their governments, the governments must do more than just say no. They should be providing enough information to allow citizens to understand why it would not be good for the country's security to disclose security information. They have to work to develop trust.
Darce Fardy
President of the Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia
Bermuda: Campaigners praise passage of PATI bill (quote from Toby Mendel)
Image via WikipediaCampaigners praise passage of PATI bill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Sam Strangeways
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International transparency campaigners have praised Bermuda for doing the right thing and finally passing a freedom of information law.
Commentators who have followed the Island's path toward a more open, accountable government said they were pleased the Public Access to Information (PATI) Act 2010 was approved unanimously by MPs in the House of Assembly on Friday night.
Charles Davis, executive director of the US-based National Freedom of Information Coalition, told The Royal Gazette: "This is a landmark day for government transparency in Bermuda, a day that citizens should remember forever.
"The playing field between the governed and the governors just became much more level, and the result will be better performance, more civic input and greater democratic involvement.
"Everybody wins here except for those who wish to do the public's business in the dark."
Toby Mendel, from the Centre for Law and Democracy in Canada, said the fact that the bill had the support of all three political parties was very promising. "It shows that there is a wide base of support for it and that augurs well for the challenging task ahead. That support is really, really important to make sure that it has a good chance of success at the implementation stage."
Mr. Mendel, who analysed the draft legislation when it was first released last year and made a submission to Government, said the final version appeared to be "a very, very strong draft".
He added: "I think that for citizens it will be a fantastic tool and it should open up things in all kinds of ways. It will be a tool that will be used by a lot of different people."
...
FULL ARTICLE: http://www.royalgazette.com/rg/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7da7d2730030025§ionId=60
The Day - FOIdirector keeps light shining on government | News ...
http://theday.com/article/20100719/NWS12/307199936
"Every year, there is some attack on FOI around the margins," said state Rep. Bob Godfrey, D-Danbury. "A lot of her work is defensive." ...
theday.com/article/20100719/NWS12/307199936
"Every year, there is some attack on FOI around the margins," said state Rep. Bob Godfrey, D-Danbury. "A lot of her work is defensive." ...
theday.com/article/20100719/NWS12/307199936
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Publishing Freedom of Information: the Open Government Records Plug-In for OJS: The Session Blog (Mark Weiler)
From the UBC Blog:
http://blogs.ubc.ca/pkp2009/2009/07/12/publishing-freedom-of-information-the-open-government-records-plug-in-for-ojs/
From PKP International Scholarly Publishing Conferences:
http://pkp.sfu.ca/ocs/pkp/index.php/pkp2009/pkp2009/paper/view/131
Publishing Freedom of Information: The Open Government Records Plugin for OJS
Mark Weiler
Last modified: 2009-06-15
Abstract
In this presentation, I demonstrate a new plugin for OJS that allows journals to publish freedom of information requests. The plugin, named Open Government Records (OGR), offers users features that allow them to make, track, store, and publish freedom of information requests as well as the records disclosed by government bodies. Intended primarily as a research technology, OGR gives scholars and academics a way to access government materials. A working example of OGR will be demonstrated. I also provide a case study of how OGR is being used to inform the field of education and curriculum studies. In this case study, I use OGR to document curricular and learning programs that government bodies design for our public servants. An installation of Open Government Records can be found here: http://www.opengovernmentrecords.net/
Slide Show: http://www.slideshare.net/svoyer1/pkp2009-presentation
Seeing the State:The Implications of Transparency for Societal Accountability; Bauhr, Grimes, Harring
Image via WikipediaMonika Bauhr,Marcia Grimes,Niklas Harring
QoG WORKING PAPER SERIES 2010:15
THE QUALITY OF GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE
Department of Political Science,University of Gothenburg
June 2010
Abstract:
International organizations and NGOs promote transparency as a necessary condition for enhancing accountability and curbing corruption. Transparency is predicted to deter corruption in part by increasing the opportunities for inter-institutional oversight and formal accountability, but also by expanding the possibilities for societal accountability, i.e. for citizens to monitor, scrutinize and hold public office holders accountable. While the societal accountability mechanism linking transparency and good government is often implied, it contains a number of assumptions seldom examined empirically. This study theoretically unpacks and explores empirically how transparency may influence good government via the mechanism of societal accountability, that is, by inciting reactions and responses from citizens. Using data compiled by the Quality of Government Institute, we show that increased transparency prompts different public reactions in countries with comparatively higher levels of corruption than in low corrupt countries. The data idicate that in corrupt countries, transparency, counter to many predictions, erodes political trust but stimulates civic engagement. The findings suggest that transparency may incite discontent and civic mobilization in the short term, contributing to greater accountability and better government in the long term.
Full Paper: http://www.qog.pol.gu.se/working_papers/2010_15_Bauhr_Grimes_Harring.pdf
Monday, July 26, 2010
No Information, no peace: How parliamentarians will benefit from freedom of information legislation
No Information, no peace: How parliamentarians will benefit from freedom of information legislation
[2010 July 26]
Current parliamentary debate within South Africa on the proposed Protection of Information Bill has got NGOs like Idasa worried about the threat it poses to the existing transparency framework which protects the public's right to know. Nancy Dubosse, manager of research in Idasa's Economic Governance Programme, looks further afield to the state of access to information in other parts of Africa and warns that the current weakness of many African parliaments, leaving them unable to defend and legislate for the right to information, compromises this fundamental tenet of democracy.
full article: http://www.idasa.org/index.asp?page=output_details.asp%3FRID%3D2164%26oplang%3Den%26OTID%3D4%26PID%3D77
Legislature cost details hidden from taxpayers
Legislature cost details hidden from taxpayers: "The situation is "absolute and utter nonsense," said Colin Gabelmann, the former BC attorney general who introduced the FOI act in 1992 to increase ...
See all stories on this topic »"
ACCC to launch Freedom of Information doc store
ACCC to launch Freedom of Information doc store: "Australia's Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was updated in May 2010 with adjustments designed to make it easier to access and obtain government documents. ...
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Access a fundamental right, Supreme Court says - Toby Mendel - thechronicleherald.ca
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Letters/1193709.html
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
ICO to target delays in Freedom of Information responses
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2266845/ico-target-delays-foi-responses
The ICO has warned public bodies that it intends to target delays in responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and will not hesitate to use its ...
See all stories on this topic »
The ICO has warned public bodies that it intends to target delays in responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and will not hesitate to use its ...
See all stories on this topic »
Friday, July 23, 2010
Social media raises federal record-keeping, privacy concerns
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100723_4473.php
Web 2.0 tools are important for agency missions but require additional guidance, officials say.
Fear of abuse of FOI
Fear of abuse of FOI: "PETALING JAYA: A non-governmental organisation fears that Selangor's Freedom of Information (FOI) is open to abuse in its present form. ...
See all stories on this topic »"
FOI4U: Northern spill would pose different challenge - Montreal Gazette
Northern spill would pose different challenge - Montreal Gazette: "
Northern spill would pose different challenge Montreal Gazette The plans, totalling 679 pages, were released to Postmedia News through an Access to Information request. Yesterday, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador ... and more » |
FOI shake-up good news for public says local lawyer
FOI shake-up good news for public says local lawyer: "Mrs Scott has been trying to establish through FOI what land and buildings in the town are held in the town's common good fund. Mr Dunion reveals that more ...
See all stories on this topic »"
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Jethava was India’s sixth RTI activist murdered
Image via WikipediaAhmedabad, DeshGujarat, 21 July, 2010
“Amit Jethwa was a true fighter, and an aggressive RTI user. His mission would not remain in unfinished mode after his death,” said Harinesh Pandya who runs an RTI(Right to information) NGO in Gujarat.
Pandya said, Amit’s working style was to seek information first, and then on the bases of that information he would put the government machinery under pressure. If government would not work, Amit would challenge the government in court.
Pandya said, ff governments start working well effectively and efficiently on its own, the activists can rest and enjoy their life, but because the government doesn’t work enough, the activists have to fight for justice, and even have to sacrifice their life. So far in India total five RTI activists, fighting for public cause were murdered. Amit was sixth.
FULL ARTICLE: http://deshgujarat.com/2010/07/21/jethava-was-indias-sixth-rti-activist-murdered/
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Report: IT dashboard plagued by outdated data
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100720_3374.php
Watchdog finds website intended to provide near real-time updates on projects' cost and progress doesn't have the latest information.
Open data in Finland – Part II « apoikola
http://apoikola.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/open-data-in-finland-part_2/
Finland has a long history of freedom of information (FOI) legislation, which dates back to the world's first FOI legislation adopted by the Swedish parliament in 1766, when Finland was part of Sweden. Finland's FOI regulation has on a ...
apoikola - http://apoikola.wordpress.com/
Finland has a long history of freedom of information (FOI) legislation, which dates back to the world's first FOI legislation adopted by the Swedish parliament in 1766, when Finland was part of Sweden. Finland's FOI regulation has on a ...
apoikola - http://apoikola.wordpress.com/
ICO takes tougher approach to FOIenforcement | Blogminster
http://blogminster.com/2010/07/21/ico-takes-tougher-approach-to-foi-enforcement/
Today the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) sets out the measures that public authorities will face if they routinely fail to meet the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Environmental Information ...
Blogminster - http://blogminster.com/
Today the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) sets out the measures that public authorities will face if they routinely fail to meet the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Environmental Information ...
Blogminster - http://blogminster.com/
New US law on revenue transparency sets the right standards for companies
http://www.transparency.org/news_room/latest_news/press_releases/2010/2010_07_21_revenue_transpar_statement
Transparency International (TI) welcomes the mandatory disclosure of payments to governments required of oil, gas and mining companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, now mandated under landmark provisions in a US bill signed into law today.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
NDP Demands Wall Government Release Minimum Wage Review Findings - Canada Views
NDP Demands Wall Government Release Minimum Wage Review Findings - Canada Views: "
NDP Demands Wall Government Release Minimum Wage Review Findings Canada Views ... the Minimum Wage Board of the review announced almost a year ago, Iwanchuk said referring to an Access to Information Request denied by the government. ... and more » |
'Liberalizing' BC Hydro
Liberalizing' BC Hydro:
'The letter of expectation has led the non-profit B.C. Freedom of Information and Privacy Association to ask that B.C.'s information and privacy commissioner investigate possible political interference in FOI requests. '
'...government "letter of expectation" issued in April orders BC Hydro to provide it with all freedom of information requests before releasing them...'
Ireland: Pressure mounts on Irish Government to introduce a single whistleblower law
Ireland: Pressure mounts on Irish Government to introduce a single whistleblower law: "National Chapter Press Release, Ireland. Pressure mounts on Irish Government to introduce a single whistleblower law. Transparency International Ireland welcomes Standards in Public Office Commission annual report
Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) has repeated its call on the Government to introduce a single law protecting whistleblowers in both the public and private sector. The call was made after the State ethics watchdog the Standards in Public Office Commission (SiPOC) published its annual report for 2009 today."
Gov't holding back: NDP - Regina Leader-Post
Gov't holding back: NDP - Regina Leader-Post: "
Gov't holding back: NDP Regina Leader-Post Hubich raised the issue Monday after a Saskatchewan man detailed on his blog how his access-to-information request seeking a copy of the minimum-wage review ... |
Monday, July 19, 2010
Open government: By the people, for the people
http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/40488-open-government-by-the-people-for-the-people
And initiatives such as Government Twitter accounts and blogs new freedom of information laws and so on are also fantastic. I highly praise the Government's ...
See all stories on this topic »
And initiatives such as Government Twitter accounts and blogs new freedom of information laws and so on are also fantastic. I highly praise the Government's ...
See all stories on this topic »
UK Government cuts could hit FOI requests
http://www.hc2d.co.uk/content.php?contentId=15530
The UK Information Commissioner's Office is to launch a new enforcement policy on freedom of information and data access requests. ...
See all stories on this topic »
The UK Information Commissioner's Office is to launch a new enforcement policy on freedom of information and data access requests. ...
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Sunday, July 18, 2010
Freedom Of Information requests - important, but not always easy
http://www.huffstrategy.com/MediaManager/release/Dianne-Saxe/16-7-10/Freedom-Of-Information-requests---important-but-not-always-easy/1965.html
Freedom of information (FOI) laws provide individuals with a way to access information that governments control. Although the FOI request process may be ...
See all stories on this topic »
Freedom of information (FOI) laws provide individuals with a way to access information that governments control. Although the FOI request process may be ...
See all stories on this topic »
FOIrequest reveals long list of local spills
http://www.windsorstar.com/news/request+reveals+long+list+local+spills/3288704/story.html?cid=megadrop_story
Windsor Star is your online source of news on Windsor, Ontario, Canada and around the world. Find local stories happening around Ontario.
www.windsorstar.com/news/request...long.../story.html?...
Windsor Star is your online source of news on Windsor, Ontario, Canada and around the world. Find local stories happening around Ontario.
www.windsorstar.com/news/request...long.../story.html?...
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Treat citizens and consumers like grown-ups, says ICO chief
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2266610/treat-citizens-consumers-grown
The information commissioner Christopher Graham said that the number of freedom of information (FOI) requests would continue to rise until corporations and ...
See all stories on this topic »
The information commissioner Christopher Graham said that the number of freedom of information (FOI) requests would continue to rise until corporations and ...
See all stories on this topic »
STUDENT NOTE: THE TRANSPARENCY REGULATION IN CONTEXT: A PROXY FOR LEGITIMACY OR AN INSTRUMENT OF REGULATORY PRACTICE?
https://litigation-essentials.lexisnexis.com/webcd/app?action=DocumentDisplay&crawlid=1&doctype=cite&docid=16+Colum.+J.+Eur.+L.+465&srctype=smi&srcid=3B15&key=00bc69ab930c0136d60ffdac9026c63c
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
UK Freedom of Information Blog: MoJ publishes milestones for FOI...
http://foia.blogspot.com/2010/07/moj-publishes-milestones-for-foi.html
MoJ publishes milestones for FOI reforms. A draft Structural Reform Plan has been published by the Ministry of Justice. Structural Reform Plans were announced by the Prime Minister in a speech at the Civil Service Live event on 8 July ...
UK Freedom of Information Blog - http://foia.blogspot.com/
MoJ publishes milestones for FOI reforms. A draft Structural Reform Plan has been published by the Ministry of Justice. Structural Reform Plans were announced by the Prime Minister in a speech at the Civil Service Live event on 8 July ...
UK Freedom of Information Blog - http://foia.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Information Commissioner reiterates jail call as complaints soar
Information Commissioner reiterates jail call as complaints soar: "The number of complaints about public authorities failing to abide by their FOI obligations to release data also rose, by 20%, to 3734. ...
See all stories on this topic »"
Editorial: Freedom of information and government accountability
Editorial: Freedom of information and government accountability: "One notable achievement of the previous People's Progressive Movement (PPM) government was the introduction of a Freedom of Information (FOI) Law. ...
See all stories on this topic »"
Ignatieff's team fights the Sun
Ignatieff's team fights the Sun: "Canadians don't like his style of government, with its manipulation, secrecy and disrespect for Parliament. Compared to them, Ignatieff is presenting a ...
See all stories on this topic »"
Now everyone has the right to know...
Now everyone has the right to know...: "The Freedom of information (FOI) legislation however does not apply to federally-controlled departments in Selangor and documents classified under OSA. ...
See all stories on this topic »"
Metro sewage management good: NB
Metro sewage management good: NB: ""Moncton is many years ahead of many, many communities in Canada," he said. ... The Canadian Press had to file an access to information request with the ...
"
Welcome to the London Datastore
From Evernote: |
Welcome to the London Datastore | London DataStoreClipped from: http://data.london.gov.uk/ |
the London Datastore
The London Datastore has been created by the Greater London Authority (GLA) as a first step towards freeing London's data. We want everyone to be able access the data that the GLA and other public sector organisations hold, and to use that data however they see fit – for free. The GLA is committed to using its connections and influence to request and cajole other public sector organisations into releasing their data here too, and it's an objective backed strongly by Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.
Inspirational uses: http://data.london.gov.uk/datastore/inspirational-uses
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
UK Freedom of Information Blog: Using the FOI Act! Introductory ...
UK Freedom of Information Blog: Using the FOI Act! Introductory ...: "The Campaign for Freedom of Information is running two half-day courses for FOI requesters in central London on Thursday 16 September 2010. The morning course will provide an introduction to the legislation covering both the Freedom of ...
UK Freedom of Information Blog - http://foia.blogspot.com/"
Data Protection and FOI: ECJ's Balancing Act
Data Protection and FOI: ECJ's Balancing Act: "Data Protection and FOI: ECJ's Balancing Act. In the Bavarian Lager case, the Court of Justice had to consider the scope of the protection of personal data ...
www.scl.org/site.aspx?i=ne16697"
Do not conduct public business in secret
Do not conduct public business in secret: "Incoming Superintendent Sue Pratt seeks to change that, and has set a mandatory orientation on FOI for every member of the board. Good. ...
See all stories on this topic »"
Friday, July 09, 2010
Tools for Transparency: Google Groups
Tools for Transparency: Google Groups: "
Just a quick note about this post and all upcoming posts by yours truly. Each week I’ll be bringing to you tech related tools and ideas that will help the community in the fight for government transparency. So stay tuned, there’s more to come!
Here at Sunlight, we’ve compiled a list of all the different Google Group communities that our partners or we ourselves have set up to push the transparency conversation along. Take a look at the list below and feel free to add in the comments any groups we might have missed. We’ll be adding this list to the Public Equals Online wiki and we would LOVE volunteers to help us keep this list up to date. Interested? Email me at mailto:sstadum@sunlightfoundation.com
Citizens for Open Government (COG) – Our primary organizing group for Public Equals Online
http://groups.google.com/group/citizens-for-opengov
Datacatalog – A group to discuss government data sets and APIs
http://groups.google.com/group/datacatalog
Sunlight Labs – A group to discuss all things related to Sunlight Labs
http://groups.google.com/group/sunlightlabs
Open House Project – A non-partisan effort working to enhance public access to Congressional information
http://groups.google.com/group/openhouseproject
Transparency Bloggers – A group for transparency bloggers to discuss issues
http://groups.google.com/group/transparency-bloggers
Transparency Camp – A group to discuss all things Transparency Camp
http://groups.google.com/group/transparencycamp
British Columbia (Health Services) (Re), 2010 BCIPC 35 (CanLII)
British Columbia (Health Services) (Re), 2010 BCIPC 35 (CanLII): "harm — contract — disclosure — negotiations — information"
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Climate e-mails review condemns lack of openness
Climate e-mails review condemns lack of openness: "And some of its conclusions have implications for how all public authorities handle FOI applications. While the review strongly criticises the conduct of ...
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Some FOI requests for personal data are not purpose blind - Hawktalk
Some FOI requests for personal data are not purpose blind - Hawktalk: "After imbibing some Bavarian Lager and a number of Decision Notices (including some Scottish ones), I have come to the conclusion that FOI requests of the kind “Please provide, in electronic form, the email addresses of all members of ...
Hawktalk - http://amberhawk.typepad.com/amberhawk/"
UK Freedom of Information Blog: Academies Bill amended to bring ...
UK Freedom of Information Blog: Academies Bill amended to bring ...: "The Academies Bill has been amended in the House of Lords to bring academy proprietors within the scope of the FOI Act. The amendment was passed at the Bill's report stage. It was moved by schools minister Lord Hill of Oareford ...
UK Freedom of Information Blog - http://foia.blogspot.com/"
Border agency fences off intelligence directorate files from public scrutiny
Border agency fences off intelligence directorate files from public scrutiny: "A spokeswoman for Information Commissioner Suzanne Legault was unavailable. In an April report, Legault said federal delays in answering queries from the ...
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Wednesday, July 07, 2010
RENO NEWSPAPERS, INC. v. Haley, Nev: Supreme Court 2010 - Google Scholar
RENO NEWSPAPERS, INC. v. Haley Nev: Supreme Court, 2010...
Balancing of interests—general policy in favor of open government against privacy or lawenforcement policy justifications for nondisclosure. ... 725 P.2d at 471.
To resolve the case, the courtbalanced the public's interests in access to information with individual privacy interests.
http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=11615917275263678140&hl=en&lr=lang_en&as_sdt=2002&as_vis=1&oi=scholaralrt&ct=alrt&cd=5
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
ACTA Consensus on Transparency Breaks Down
ACTA Consensus on Transparency Breaks Down: "The 9th round of ACTA talks concluded last week in Lucerne, Switzerland. I briefly noted the official statement last week, but a subsequent news report makes it clear that the most important development to come out of the meeting is the breakdown of a consensus on transparency. Following the New Zealand meeting in April, there was consensus achieved on the need to release a draft version of the text. It is now clear that the overwhelming majority of countries favoured continuing this approach by releasing updated versions at the conclusion of subsequent meetings. That did not happen after the Lucerne meeting, however, with both the Swiss and European Commission delegations indicating that they favoured releasing the text but that one delegation did not. It is a safe bet that the U.S. is once again the key holdout on the transparency issue.
...
full article
Canadian Government Expenses
Since 2003 we have assessed a total of 142239 expenses claimed with the total expense bill running exactly $156,706,345.95 and is growing!
Please stay tuned as we assess the expenditures of these departments each quarter of the year and see how these figures grow. These are YOUR hard earned tax dollars which are being spent on travel and hospitality expenses. Be aware of how it is being used.
We have all the stats here, broken down by department, year, even individual ministers, staff and others who have been spending this huge amount of money. Check back frequently for the data during each new fiscal quarter.
http://www.governmentexpenses.ca/http://www.governmentexpenses.ca/
Government secrecy, Fadden's candour conjure monsters in the dark
Government secrecy, Fadden's candour conjure monsters in the dark: "... secrecy that infects this government and the inadvertent candour of the CSIS director have succeeded in tarring hundreds of politicians across Canada. ...
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No right to know
No right to know: "By Tolu Ogunlesi Nigeria's Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill will be eleven years old in October, making it one of the oldest unpassed bills of this ...
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Senior ATIP Analyst (PM 4-5) - altisHR - Ottawa, ON
Senior ATIP Analyst (PM 4-5) - altisHR - Ottawa, ON: "ATIP files.
Knowledge of the Access to Information... and to exercise judgement regarding the application of the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act and...
From altisHR - 07 Jul 2010 04:55:38 GMT
- job details
- View all Ottawa jobs"
Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Officer - - altisHR - Ottawa, ON
Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Officer - - altisHR - Ottawa, ON: "to the processing of Access to Information and... to resolve the complaint.
An Understanding of the Access to Information and Privacy Acts is required to...
From altisHR - 07 Jul 2010 04:55:58 GMT
- job details
- View all Ottawa jobs"
Reforms would strengthen privacy law
Reforms would strengthen privacy law: "Since the mid-1990s, there has been a profound shift in the way in which FOI is understood. At first it was viewed primarily as a governance reform, ...
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City to face FOI inquiry
City to face FOI inquiry: "EDINBURGH City Council is set to be investigated over the way it handles freedom of information requests. The office of the Scottish Information ...
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Tuesday, July 06, 2010
OpenDataOttawa.ca
A gathering of local citizens, councillors, and city staff to write applications using public municipal data to show support for adopting an open data policy by the city government
OpenParliament.ca
Image by Bobcatnorth via FlickrWhat we're doingInfo on what your representatives are doing in Ottawa can be hard to find and use. We're trying to make it easy.
Browse MPs, or find someone quickly by entering a name or postal code above. See what your representatives are saying, and what laws they're proposing. Poke around.
http://openparliament.ca/
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Friday, July 02, 2010
Open and Shut: Let the new eras begin.
Open and Shut: Let the new eras begin.: "This blog takes an interest in all issues associated with Freedom of Information (FOI) and privacy legislation in Australia. It also includes comment about open transparent and accountable government and privacy issues generally drawing ...
Open and Shut - http://foi-privacy.blogspot.com/"
FOI Case Costs City $18K | New Haven Independent
FOI Case Costs City $18K New Haven Independent: "The city has paid $18250 to bury a freedom of information verdict that cited two public boards for holding secret meetings about a firefighter's fate.
newhavenindependent.org/.../injured_firefighter_wins_18k/"
FOI ruling foils Economic Development Commission
FOI ruling foils Economic Development Commission: "“There was two meetings that we filed a complaint to the FOI about. We felt that there was an injustice and we were trying to help the little people. ...
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cayCompass.com :: Full House to review FOI Law
cayCompass.com :: Full House to review FOI Law: "The FOI law allows anyone to request information held by the Cayman Islands Government, its statutory authorities and government entities. ...
http://www.compasscayman.com/caycompass/2010/07/02/Full-House-to-review-FOI-Law/"
Followthemoney.org: The Nation's Most Complete Resource for Information on Money in State Politics
The National Institute on Money in State Politics is the only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization revealing the influence of campaign money on state-level elections and public policy in all 50 states. Our comprehensive and verifiable campaign-finance database and relevant issue analyses are available for free through our Web site FollowTheMoney.org. We encourage transparency and promote independent investigation of state-level campaign contributions by journalists, academic researchers, public-interest groups, government agencies, policymakers, students and the public at large.
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