New for 2024 FIPA has expanded the research from its interprovincial legislative comparisons across Canada. Given broad direction to explore and create this expanded analysis Cole Munro Theobald and Ryan Rutley worked to develop:
The document responds to the simultaneous growing public demand for government transparency and interest in the protection of privacy rights. This document seeks to act as a user-friendly resource by reviewing information and privacy protection legislation across Canadian jurisdictions.
In 2023 Jerika Caduhada and Gage Smith created Canadian Access, Privacy and Enforcement: Leading Language. It analyzed such legislation for leading features, where “leading” indicates being most facilitative of the spirit of the law and the principles of transparency and privacy, with minimal barriers or exceptions.
In 2024, Cole Munro Theobald; Ryan Rutley reexamined “leading” analysis and added “trailing language” analysis, which highlights key shortcomings of existing freedom of information and privacy protection legislation at the Canadian provincial and territorial level.
This analysis is conducted through the application of rubrics which outline standards for strong legislation in the areas of freedom of information, protection of privacy, and oversight and enforcement based on inter-jurisdictional patterns within the Canadian context and noteworthy deviations from such patterns.
It is important to note that this work focuses solely on Canadian jurisdictions and, thus, while international jurisdictions certainly have relevant leading legislative features of their own, they are beyond the scope of this research.
Interested in being part of activities like this?
There are lots of ways to work with us or act as an Academic Advisor. We are always open to making our research results better so be sure to provide any feedback and constructive criticism regarding this publication and its methodology to FIPA at fipa.bc.ca .
