Government & Corporate Transparency
The Issue
Canadians’ right of access to information held by governments and public agencies is embarrassingly inadequate. Internationally, the quality of our access to information law ranks 59th out of 102 countries. The implementation of the law makes matters even worse – often imposing excessive delays, high costs, and significant censorship. Even more limited is the public’s right of access to information about the decisions and practices of the corporate sector that increasingly shape every aspect of our lives.
Why It Matters
Healthy democracy depends on an informed public with ready access to the information it needs to engage in effective political decision-making.
Our Work
The Centre for Free Expression works to promote greater government and corporate transparency through public education and advocacy for better right to know laws and practices.
Resources
Indigenous Services Canada headlines trifecta of federal departments ‘winning’ at obstructing release of information
OTTAWA, ON, Feb 1, 2022 - Indigenous Services Canada has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy in the federal category.
February 1, 2022
How Canada can lead in privacy reform globally
#9 in CFE Series: Taming Big Tech: Exploring the Alternatives
Elizabeth Denham In conversation with Andrew Clement
Does Cabinet Secrecy Unduly Undermine Open Government & the Public’s Right to Know?
Yan Campagnolo In conversation with Mel Cappe
‘Arms-length’ infrastructure agencies and citizen disempowerment
Many groups in the Greater Toronto Area are challenging Metrolinx’ ambitious and largely evidence-free transit plans, in terms of transparency and accountability.
Governing Big Tech in Canada
#4 in CFE Series: Taming Big Tech: Exploring the Alternatives
Taylor Owen - In Conversation with Andrew Clement