Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia: Information access

Showing posts with label Information access. Show all posts

Monday, March 23, 2009

The sorry state of access to information

By Dean Jobb

March 27 2009 issue

Amid the flood of inspiring words in Barack Obama’s inaugural address as president of the U.S. was a line about openness and accountability that should be a wake-up call to government leaders and bureaucrats in this country.

“Those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account to spend wisely,” Obama declared, “and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.”

Obama put those words into action on his first day in office, ordering federal agencies to treat government information as “a national asset” and to administer freedom of information legislation in a way that ensures the timely release of as much information as possible. “In the face of doubt,” notes one directive, “openness prevails.”

But in the face of this abrupt shift toward greater openness south of the border, too often Ottawa and provincial governments take an outmoded, haughty “you-can’t-handle-the-truth” approach to access to information. And that’s when government officials finally get around to replying to those seeking information.

FULL ARTICLE

Friday, February 27, 2009

Watchdog attacks federal cult of secrecy

Watchdog attacks federal cult of secrecy
Access to information so limited it’s a "crisis"
By The Canadian Press
Fri. Feb 27 - 4:46 AM

OTTAWA — There are serious flaws in the administration of the federal access-to-information law, says Information Commissioner Robert Marleau.

In a scathing report, Marleau gives six of 10 federal agencies poor grades on their compliance with a law that is supposed to give the Canadian public access to government files. He calls the situation a "major information management crisis."

"There are major delays, particularly with extensions, with some institutions routinely taking months to respond to information requests," Marleau said.

"Canadians expect and deserve far greater efficiency and accountability from their government."

FULL ARTICLE

Monday, January 05, 2009

Freedom of Information Law set (Cayman Islands)

Freedom of Information Law set

Published on Sunday, January 4, 2009

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Carole Excell
Freedom of Information (FOI) Coordinator

Dan Duguay
Auditor General
Billy Adam
Businessman

By Tad Stoner
tad@caymannetnews.com

Pronouncing herself "ready to go", Freedom of Information (FOI) Coordinator Carole Excell – and 89 Information Managers throughout Government – on Monday morning will usher in the Cayman Islands first guarantee of public access to official records.

First legislated on 31 August 2007, the long-awaited bill enables the public to seek information on any subject from any government entity, and obligates government to respond, usually within one month of the request.

"It takes the member of the public acting on their rights to enforce their right to know," said Ms Excell. "It's up to people to make [the law] work.

"It makes the Government more transparent and accountable. Members of the public have the right to access public records and it helps you make decisions. If you want to know how your country runs, you want to participate in that and you care about your country, you need access to information. It enables you to make informed decisions."

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FULL ARTICLE