Canadian Access-to-information laws too weak: Watchdog

Access-to-information laws too weak: Watchdog


BY DAVID AKIN,
CANWEST NEWS SERVICE
FEBRUARY 17, 2009 3:01 PM



Canada's information commissioner of Canada, Robert Marleau
Photograph by: Kier Gilmour, Canwest News Service

OTTAWA — Canada's information commissioner says existing access-to-information laws are too weak. and lack measures that would force the federal government to hand over the records Canadians have a right to see.

Commissioner Robert Marleau will table "a shopping list of legislative amendments" next month for MPs to consider. But he says it's vital Treasury Board President Vic Toews take steps to force individual government departments to give their access-to-information offices the money and staff to fulfil their legal obligations under Canada's Access to Information Act.

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Canada's cult of secrecy

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Canada's cult of secrecy

Harder than ever to get information from the federal government

By PETER WORTHINGTON

Last Updated: 26th January 2009, 4:26am

As to highlight tomorrow's budget in Canada, President Barack Obama has coincidentally drawn attention to Canada's penchant for secrecy.

By making "openness" and "transparency" a cornerstone of his presidency, he's drawn attention to Canada's lack of same.

Not since the advent of the Access to Information Act (ATIA) in 1983, has it been so difficult to get timely information from the Canadian government.

...

A challenge for Harper is to follow Obama's lead for more open government.

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