Carney says he’s open to a review of Canada’s broken access to information system

Liberal Leader Mark Carney Pledges to Review Canada’s Access to Information Law

During a recent campaign stop in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Liberal Leader Mark Carney announced that if elected, he would prioritize reviewing Canada’s access to information law. This law, originally designed to ensure government accountability and transparency, has become bogged down and inefficient in recent years.

The federal government’s access law is based on the principle that Canadians have the right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. It allows citizens to request government records for a small fee, with the goal of providing timely and accurate information. This system has been essential for journalists, researchers, activists, and political parties to hold the government accountable.

However, in practice, the system has become slow and cumbersome, with excessive redactions and delays in responding to requests. Users have reported receiving heavily redacted documents or blanket denials, sometimes waiting years for a response.

While the Liberal platform does not mention the Access to Information Act, Carney expressed his willingness to improve the system. He acknowledged the importance of reviewing access to information and addressing the challenges faced by users.

Carney’s commitment to reviewing the access law comes in response to growing frustration with the system. Information Commissioner of Canada, Caroline Maynard, has criticized the government for failing to reform the system adequately. Despite promises to make government “open by default,” the Liberal government has struggled to meet this goal.

Both the Conservative and NDP platforms also lack explicit mention of the Access to Information Act. However, they have called for an overhaul of the federal access to information system, echoing the need for reform.

As the election approaches, the issue of access to information remains a key concern for Canadians. With Carney’s pledge to review the law, there is hope for improvements that will enhance transparency and accountability within the government.