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
Supreme Court Grants CFE Leave to Intervene in Public Interest Standing Case
The Supreme Court of Canada has granted the Centre for Free Expression leave to intervene in its consideration of an important upcoming
August 17, 2021
New CFE Report: It’s Time for Change! 206 Recommendations for Reforms to Canada’s Access to Information Act
Canada’s Access to Information Act was adopted more than 35 years ago and has aged badly.
August 9, 2021
Open Letter Calls on Prime Minister to Fulfill Commitments to Transparency
In an open letter today, 13 major organizations from across Canada call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fulfill the commitments to transparency that he has been declaring repeatedly since 2014.
April 9, 2021
Ottawa Police Service receives the law enforcement 2020 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy
The Ottawa Police Service has been named as the recipient of the 2020 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy in the law enforcement category.
March 2, 2021
City of North Bay named recipient of municipal 2020 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy
The City of North Bay, Ont., has been named as the recipient of the 2020 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy in the municipal category.
February 23, 2021
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