BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
Your Data Your Rights
Bill 22 News Release
A step backwards for transparency when the public needs it most.
VICTORIA, October 18, 2021 – Bill 22, introduced in the BC legislature today, shows a disregard for the Legislature, its legislation, and, most importantly, British Columbians.
“The legislation falls short. It is a missed opportunity and, in key areas, a step in the wrong direction” according to FIPA (Freedom of Information and Privacy Association) Executive Director Jason Woywada. He adds, “This government keeps saying one thing and doing another. They say they support greater government transparency but then introduced proposed legislation that leaves major gaps in our existing law unaddressed.”
Instead of making the system less secretive and more accessible, they are introducing fees for you to access public information, presenting a barrier to your right to know. “A legacy of transparency scandals, from fast ferries, to triple delete, to wood chippers at the Legislature, show the costs of secrecy and the importance of getting these legislative amendments right” according to Mike Larsen, FIPA President.
FIPA will continue to advocate for progressive change that puts people and their rights first. We have been calling on successive provincial governments to improve our transparency laws for years and opportunities to amend the Act don’t come along often. This legislation requires substantial revision and we will be working with our members, allies, and partners to push for amendments to the proposed legislative changes.
FIPA, along with other groups, will be reviewing the legislation line by line in the days ahead. To learn more, you can review the same information we have as part of FIPA’s Fast Facts below or in PDF.
FIPA FAST FACTS – Bill 22
Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, announced changes to British Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act.
Hansard – 1:45 Introduction of Bills Citizens’ Services News Release
Bill 22 First Reading Current Legislation
The government claims these amendments are necessary yet continue to disregard the current statutory requirements. For example, no “annual” report was tabled in 2020 nor in 2021, to date. The Act requires an annual report be released to empower people to know where government is succeeding and failing.
The government claims their proposed amendments reflect the results of extensive public engagement. Today they released a summary of information but are not being transparent about the information. FIPA has an outstanding FOI request for these results and we call for all engagement information to be made available as soon as possible.
Engagement Summary FIPA Request Delayed
The Legislature has an all-party Legislative Special Committee that is mandated to review the legislation, to consult with the public, and to make recommendations on changes. The Government shows blatant disregard for all members of the legislature and the transparent process when they undermine the work by drafting legislative changes behind closed doors without releasing the information that informs those legislative changes.
Special Committee to Review FoIPPA
The Legislature has an all-party Legislative Special Committee that is mandated to review the legislation, to consult with the public, and to make recommendations on changes. The Government shows blatant disregard for all members of the legislature and the transparent process when they undermine the work by drafting legislative changes behind closed doors without releasing the information that informs those legislative changes.
2016 Committee Report 2010 Committee Report
Others also recognize the gaps in the legislation including Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael McEvoy
A step backwards for transparency when the public needs it most.
VICTORIA, October 18, 2021 – Bill 22, introduced in the BC legislature today, shows a disregard for the Legislature, its legislation, and, most importantly, British Columbians.
“The legislation falls short. It is a missed opportunity and, in key areas, a step in the wrong direction” according to FIPA (Freedom of Information and Privacy Association) Executive Director Jason Woywada. He adds, “This government keeps saying one thing and doing another. They say they support greater government transparency but then introduced proposed legislation that leaves major gaps in our existing law unaddressed.”
Instead of making the system less secretive and more accessible, they are introducing fees for you to access public information, presenting a barrier to your right to know. “A legacy of transparency scandals, from fast ferries, to triple delete, to wood chippers at the Legislature, show the costs of secrecy and the importance of getting these legislative amendments right” according to Mike Larsen, FIPA President.
FIPA will continue to advocate for progressive change that puts people and their rights first. We have been calling on successive provincial governments to improve our transparency laws for years and opportunities to amend the Act don’t come along often. This legislation requires substantial revision and we will be working with our members, allies, and partners to push for amendments to the proposed legislative changes.
FIPA, along with other groups, will be reviewing the legislation line by line in the days ahead. To learn more, you can review the same information we have as part of FIPA’s Fast Facts below or in PDF.
FIPA FAST FACTS – Bill 22
Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, announced changes to British Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act.
Hansard – 1:45 Introduction of Bills Citizens’ Services News Release
Bill 22 First Reading Current Legislation
The government claims these amendments are necessary yet continue to disregard the current statutory requirements. For example, no “annual” report was tabled in 2020 nor in 2021, to date. The Act requires an annual report be released to empower people to know where government is succeeding and failing.
The government claims their proposed amendments reflect the results of extensive public engagement. Today they released a summary of information but are not being transparent about the information. FIPA has an outstanding FOI request for these results and we call for all engagement information to be made available as soon as possible.
Engagement Summary FIPA Request Delayed
The Legislature has an all-party Legislative Special Committee that is mandated to review the legislation, to consult with the public, and to make recommendations on changes. The Government shows blatant disregard for all members of the legislature and the transparent process when they undermine the work by drafting legislative changes behind closed doors without releasing the information that informs those legislative changes.
Special Committee to Review FoIPPA
The Legislature has an all-party Legislative Special Committee that is mandated to review the legislation, to consult with the public, and to make recommendations on changes. The Government shows blatant disregard for all members of the legislature and the transparent process when they undermine the work by drafting legislative changes behind closed doors without releasing the information that informs those legislative changes.
2016 Committee Report 2010 Committee Report
Others also recognize the gaps in the legislation including Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael McEvoy