Learn how to navigate big data sets and open data held by public bodies to inform your research and how they can power your next project.
Join award-winning journalist David McKie for a lunch and learn event with FIPA President Mike Larsen to discuss the intersection of big data with freedom of information.
Some of the largest data sets that reflect and impact our lives are held by public bodies. Legislation regulates how this information can be used within government, released to individuals and inform third party research. Beyond seeking individual documents, freedom of information requests for machine readable data sets can empower research with quantifiable information that can identify both the problem and the possible solutions through analysis.
As an author and journalist, David McKie spent 26 years honing his skills at the CBC where his award-winning work (the CAJ, IRE and Michener) influenced policies in areas such as the adverse reactions of prescription drugs and medical devices, as well as the RCMP’s use of Tasers. David teaches at the schools of journalism at Ryerson University, Carleton University, the University of King’s College, and University of British Columbia. Amongst his extensive activities he has: conducted data-journalism workshops for journalism organizations including the Canadian Association of Journalists and the U.S.-based National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting, co-authored three journalism textbooks and two user guides on access to information laws and privacy and data journalism, and is Deputy Managing Editor of Canada’s National Observer.
Access to information requests made to public bodies through freedom of information provides a powerful tool for research. Learning how to use this tool provides transferable skills for researchers in multiple fields that intersect law, government, advocacy, communications, and journalism.
For legal professionals, this presentation and facilitated question and answer session presents a unique opportunity to engage on a topical subject with leaders in the field while undertaking professional development.