Carney Government Faces Scrutiny Over Secrecy Obsession in Access to Information
Openness and transparency have never been strong suits with Canada's highly secretive Liberal government, despite its initial promise to prioritize both when first elected in 2015. A decade later, federal Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard is issuing a stark warning that many of the Carney government's proposed reforms to the Access to Information Act will exacerbate existing problems rather than solve them.
Proposed Reforms Fall Short of Expectations
The Access to Information Act serves as the primary mechanism for the public to access government information that is not routinely released, often including data the administration prefers to keep confidential. In response to the government's proposed changes under a mandatory five-year review of the act, Maynard expressed deep disappointment. She highlighted the legislation's failure to address the most critical issue: the unacceptably high failure rate of government departments tasked with responding to information requests within the mandated 30-day timeframe.
"I am disappointed with the lack of ambition on display, which reflects an insufficient appreciation of the seriousness of the challenges facing Canada's access to information system," Maynard stated. She further criticized the proposals for appearing designed to ease administrative burdens on government institutions rather than uphold Canadians' fundamental right to know. Key omissions include subjecting cabinet confidences to the information commissioner's oversight, limiting overly broad exemptions, and establishing maximum timelines for consultations.
Expert and Political Criticism Mounts
Veteran investigative journalist Dean Beeby, speaking to The Hill Times, noted that the inadequate proposals are unsurprising, as they originate from federal bureaucrats who have little incentive to promote transparency. "They're in charge of reforming a system that it's not in their interest to reform," Beeby explained. He pointed out a significant weakness in the current legislation: if the government classifies something as a cabinet confidence, it becomes virtually inaccessible, with even the information commissioner unable to review it.
Conservative MP and treasury board critic Stephanie Kusie voiced particular concern over a government proposal to reduce the number of official records covered by the act, effectively shielding more information from public exposure. This move starkly contrasts with the Liberals' 2015 election pledge to strengthen the Access to Information Act by making government information "open by default."
A Far Cry from Promised Transparency
The current situation represents a significant departure from the transparency commitments made by the Liberal government upon its initial election. With the Liberals anticipated to secure a majority government in April following victories in two byelections in long-time Liberal ridings, expectations for meaningful reform are low. Critics argue that the proposed changes prioritize bureaucratic convenience over public accountability, undermining democratic principles.
As the debate continues, the Carney government's approach to information access remains under intense scrutiny, with calls for more robust measures to ensure transparency and uphold citizens' rights in an era where open governance is increasingly vital.
