N.S. premier may adjust plans to amend access to information rules
Premier Tim Houston is considering making changes to the controversial amendments he proposed to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. These changes have been criticized by the privacy commissioner for potentially limiting government accountability and public access to information.
One of the key proposals in Bill 1 is to give heads of government bodies and municipalities the power to reject freedom of information requests if they are deemed lacking specificity, frivolous, or vexatious. Privacy Commissioner Tricia Ralph has called on Houston to withdraw these amendments and engage in meaningful consultation with her office and the public to find a compromise that balances access to information rights with the need to address abuses of the system.
During question period, the premier indicated that he plans to heed Ralph’s comments and make necessary tweaks to the proposed amendments. This decision comes after criticism from opposition leaders who believe that more consultation is needed before making significant changes to legislation.
Houston has previously stated that the changes are aimed at streamlining the access to information system to make it more efficient. However, the lack of consultation and consideration for potential consequences has drawn backlash from the public and political opponents.
If Houston follows through with the changes, it would mark the second significant update to Bill 1 since its introduction. Earlier, the premier announced that he would withdraw a portion of the bill that would have granted the government the ability to dismiss the auditor general without cause and suppress reports from the AG’s office.
Overall, the proposed amendments in Bill 1 have sparked controversy and raised concerns about government transparency and accountability. By considering revisions and engaging in meaningful consultation, Premier Houston aims to address these issues and find a balance between protecting privacy rights and ensuring access to information for Nova Scotians.
