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
Payette goes, but secrecy remains
By Ken Rubin
February 1, 2021 - Julie Payette leaves, but picking up the pieces means more than a little house cleaning. It requires radical transparency changes. Let's give Canadians the tools they need to monitor and improve those hiding from us.
There's No Excuse for Stifling Information
By Ken Rubin
December 21, 2020 - Trudeau isn't transparent enough; Some agencies have simply placed requests for information from the public on hold, despite this being a violation of the Access to Information Act.
Freedom of Information, Universities & Transparency: Lessons from Emily Eaton and the University of Regina
Access to information (ATI) is animated by a simple principle: the public ought to know.
By Dax D’Orazio
Honey, the Pandemic shrunk transparency
By Ken Rubin
Novemeber 9, 2020 - It's time for the government to take off the mask that disguises and robs us of our public right to know. Trustworthy and revitalized government requires effective access and more public scrutiny.