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Information and privacy commissioners from across the country call on governments to change their overly secretive practices.
Ottawa (3 Sept. 2010) - Canada's information and privacy commissioners say governments across the country should be much more open with the citizens they represent.
In the interest of gaining public trust and building a "robust democracy," governments should open files and provide much more information to Canadians, the commisioners say.
Their message was contained in a joint resolution released this week by commissioners representing the federal, provincial and territorial governments.
The statement says governments are under increasing pressure to transform the "traditional" practice of releasing information only when asked to do so and take a more "proactive" approach that releases information automatically to the public.
In particular, the commissioners called on politicians and bureaucrats to embrace the principle of "open government."
This is occurring in other nations such as the United States, where President Barack Obama has made it easier for Americans to get access to information, usually online. Government leaders in Britain and Australia have also moved in the same direction.
"The norm should really be proactive disclosure," Susanne Legault, information commissioner of Canada, told Postmedia News. "We feel that all Canadian governments at all levels should really embrace this approach and this cultural shift."
The resolution approved by the commissioners says a more open approach will require the passage of laws, a change in policy and the adoption of clear objectives and time frames to ensure that Canadians get government records and information in an easier and more timely way.
The commissioners recommend the following steps be taken by all governments in Canada:
- Declare the importance of open government and make specific commitments for stronger standards.
- Change the system so that Canadians, generally, get information automatically without having to file access-to-information requests.
- Ensure that public access to information is free or provided at minimal cost.
- Give "due consideration" to protection of privacy, confidentiality, security and Crown copyright.
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