Time to reform access to information laws

Author: Adrienne Batra 2006/05/22

Manitoba News Release

Taxpayers Federation to the Manitoba government: Change access to information laws

WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today is calling on the Manitoba government to make much needed changes to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Two years ago, the CTF along with the Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba, the Manitoba Library Association, the Consumer's Association of Canada (Manitoba Division) and the Manitoba Eco-Network, recommended 25 amendments to the Act at the public review process. These organizations along with the Canadian Association of Journalists are leading the charge to restore fairness, transparency and affordability to access government information. To view the full submission Click here.

The Legislative Assembly expressed its support for freedom of information when it unanimously passed the Freedom of Information Act in 1985. Further, the Legislative Assembly expressed its support for ongoing vigilance on freedom of information by requiring a statutory review by a Legislative Committee of the Act within three years of its coming into effect. "The provincial government concluded its review over two years ago, however, there have been no changes made to FIPPA since," stated CTF Provincial Director Adrienne Batra. "With repeated mismanagement and wasted tax dollars in the areas of Hydra House, Aiyawin Corporation and the Crocus Investment Fund, public access to government information is crucial."

One substantial recommendation the Manitoba government has failed to implement is the appointment of an Information and Privacy Commissioner. The provinces of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario have Information and Privacy Commissioners who have extensive powers to investigate complaints and review government compliance. Alberta's Commissioner also has the authority to require any government record be produced for his examination. "As Leader of the Opposition in 1997, Gary Doer said that he would amend sections of the Act which were regressive and have a privacy commissioner available to the public as the first steps to public access," added Batra. "This has not happened."

The appeal process available to Manitobans is through the Provincial Ombudsman's Office, however the Ombudsman's recommendations are not binding, leaving the courts as a costly last resort for citizens.

The CTF has consistently maintained freedom of information is a fundamental democratic right which enhances timely access to substantive critical government information necessary for the full discussion of policy proposals and for holding governments to account for their actions, inaction and performance.

Time to reform access to information laws

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