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
Avoiding Accountability by Misusing Public Agencies: Metrolinx as Example
Many community groups are debating and challenging transit plans by Metrolinx, the powerful Ontario agency created to supplant municipalities in Southern Ontario.
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
Even in the Age of Covid-19, Justice Requires Open Courts
The justice system is facing unprecedented challenges.
When is a Mayor Not a Mayor? Public vs. Private in Twitter Blocking
There’s been a ceasefire in the “legal Twitter war” between Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and three people who sued him for blocking them from his Twitter account. The three plaintiffs argued that in bl
By Micheal Vonn
Applying the Openness Principle to Administrative Tribunals
The Toronto Star has brought an application before the Ontario Su
By Abbas Kassam
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