The Canadian Press
OTTAWA–The federal information watchdog says a government bill intended to increase transparency actually would do the opposite.
In a report presented to Parliament today, information commissioner Suzanne Legault said the bill tabled in June would take Canadians’ right to know backwards rather than forward.
Legault, an ombudsman for users of the Access to Information Act, long has advocated strengthening the 34-year-old law that gives people a right to ask for federal files ranging from expense reports to briefing papers.
The Trudeau government said its proposed access legislation will raise the bar on openness and transparency.
Among other things, the bill would give the information commissioner authority to make orders about the release of records, fees, and additional time taken to answer requests.
However, federal agencies and others could seek a wide-ranging review of the commissioner’s orders in the Federal Court.
