In a letter to the editor published on May 16, 2026, Barry Wellar responds to Ken Rubin's column on regressive FOI changes in Ontario. Wellar argues that Premier Doug Ford's actions demonstrate contempt for the public's right to know about government spending and decision-making.
Contempt for Transparency
Wellar highlights that unanswered communications over three years to Premier Ford and several ministers confirm Rubin's concerns. He states that Ford's dismissive attitude toward freedom of information (FOI) laws suggests a disregard for transparency and accountability.
Ford's position, according to Wellar, is exemplified by his response to criticism over changes to FOI laws that blocked access to Greenbelt records. When questioned, Ford told citizens not to worry, claiming the government had given RCMP officers everything they needed. Wellar counters that RCMP officers are not the people of Ontario, whose land and money are at risk.
Lack of Evidence
Wellar notes that there is no evidence the RCMP has applied investigative skills to the Greenbelt saga, despite land use planning and zoning decisions dating back decades. He argues that FOI legislation is often approved by politicians for politicians, undermining its purpose.
Reasons for Secrecy
Wellar identifies two primary reasons why politicians fail to guarantee access to records: first, to keep citizens and the media unaware of criminal activities such as bribery, embezzlement, fraud, libel, sexual misconduct, and theft; second, to manage potential damage from records that contradict or challenge government claims.
He emphasizes that "For the People" should mean citizens and media have access to government records at the level needed to hold politicians to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Ford's autocratic style, Wellar argues, does not meet those standards.
Call to Action
Wellar calls on opposition parties and the media to ensure citizens have top priority access to every record from the Greenbelt investigation. He concludes that Ford's contempt for transparency is matched only by his disregard for the principles of government accountability.
