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FIPA has asked BC’s Information and Privacy Commissioner to investigate a new government order requiring Crown corporations to notify the provincial government in advance when any information is to be released in response to freedom of information requests.

In the letter requesting the investigation, FIPA executive director Darrell Evans states the "requirement gives us a great deal of concern about the increased likelihood of delay and possibly direct political interference with FOI requests."

"At a time where delay and interference in FOI are endemic problems," the letter continues, "it is discouraging to say the least that the government of British Columbia has taken the unprecedented step of sending instructions to Crown Corporations which appear to institutionalize practices which have already been criticized by your office…

"It is vital that your office conduct an investigation into the rationale behind this disturbing new initiative to increase central control of information."

LETTER TO COMMISSIONER Click Here

ARTICLES, PUBLIC EYE ONLINE Click Here and Click Here