The Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA) is deeply disappointed in the new Conservative government’s failure in its recent Throne Speech to deliver on their promises to increase government transparency by “strengthening Access to Information legislation.” Harper is misleading Canadians when he claims that he has kept his word about making good on his […]

BC FIPA sent its submission for the Customer Name and Address Information Consultation to Public Safety Canada today. FIPA outlines three main concerns with the CNA proposal. [T]he proposals go beyond maintaining existing powers in order to cope with new technology … [and] would actually lower the threshold currently required to obtain Canadians’ personal information […]

The politician who spearheaded the creation of the B.C. Freedom of Information Act says the 15-year-old legislation has failed to blunt government’s natural instinct to withhold public information. Former NDP attorney general Colin Gabelmann said Friday the act was designed to “foster a culture of openness” so that government officials would automatically release information as […]

“Right to Know Week” in Canada runs from Friday September 28 to Friday October 5, 2007. Events across Canada will reveal the vital role freedom of information laws play in giving citizens access to government records. All Canadians have a right of access to their own personal information and to records about almost everything else […]

During the 1990s, the Canadian public enjoyed a steady increase in access to government information. New freedom of information laws were passed in many Canadian provinces. The BC government was at the leading edge of the trend, passing an FOI law that made it much more transparent and accountable. Then came a new century, 9/11, […]

The Federal Court has ordered the federal government to reveal most of what it didn’t want Canadians to know about the Mahar Arar Scandal. Newly declassified information shows that that Canadian agencies worked directly with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and also received information known to be likely derived from Syrian torture during a post-9/11 […]

In his annual report, released today, Information and Privacy Commissioner David Loukidelis has called on the Premier and Cabinet to show leadership by amending the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to restore the public’s access to information rights that were curtailed by a BC Court of Appeal Decision. “The bottom line is […]

Canada’s official privacy watchdogs have formed a united front to call for suspension of the Canadian government’s new no-fly list until it can be overhauled to ensure strong privacy protections for Canadians. FIPA is urging all concerned citizens to join in by emailing the Prime Minister (See last paragraph). The federal, provincial and territorial privacy […]

Ten national organizations including civil liberties, anti-racism, and groups representing immigrants and refugees are calling for the federal government to scrap plans for a “No Fly List” in a joint letter to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. We believe that the [No Fly] List raises grave concerns regarding […]

For the sixth time since 2001, BC’s Liberal government has introduced amendments to the province’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP Act) without making much-needed improvements in public access to information. The BC government introduced Bill 25 on April 19 claiming that it “…will strengthen B.C.’s Freedom of Information and Protection of […]

The Campaign for Open Government is conducting research into the experiences of individuals who have used British Columbia’s Freedom of Information act over a period of time to request general (not personal) information and records. FOI requesters, please take the time to contribute your unique experience with FOI requests. Survey results will be used to […]

By Irwin Loy 24 HOURS A prominent environmental advocacy group is claiming victory in a four-year battle to make B.C.’s Ministry of Environment cough up data on industry pollution. The office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has ruled the ministry as “unreasonable” in demanding a $173,000 fee to gather the information. Sierra Legal had […]