Liberals promise open government in cyber-space

Liberals promise open government in cyber-space

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Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff responds to a question during an news conference in Ottawa, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Updated: Fri Oct. 22 2010 6:33:41 AM

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — Liberals are vowing to create an open government data portal that would give Canadians unprecedented access to federally collected information.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says the initiative would "end the era of secrecy and control" and give Canadians the information to which they're entitled.

The United States, Britain and Australia are already using digital technology to open up their governments.

But Ignatieff says Canada has been held back by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whom he accuses of running "the most secretive government" in Canadian history.

However, the government has actually been discussing ways to allow citizens faster access to the reams of government data currently locked away behind a firewall.

Corinne Charette, the government's chief information officer, aims to have a plan in place in six to 12 months, according to a presentation she delivered in July, which The Canadian Press obtained under the Access to Information Act.

FULL ARTICLE: http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101022/open-government-liberals-101022/20101022/?hub=TorontoNewHome