Critics slam NDP's proposed Freedom of Information Act changes
The NDP government is under fire for proposed changes to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, which some worry will lead to more secrecy and less transparency.
Lisa Beare, the Minister for Citizen Services, introduced amendments this week that she says are overdue.
Among the changes are new penalties for those who flout freedom of information rules by deliberating deleting requested data, and for those caught "snooping" through files they don't need to access. Another provision provides for mandatory reporting when data is hacked.
But what many people have taken offence to is a $25 fee for anyone who puts in a freedom of information request to find out how government is making decisions – decisions it makes on the public's behalf and with taxpayer dollars.
Privacy Commissioner Michael McEvoy takes issue with the government's stance that several other Canadian provinces have fees too.
"It acts as a barrier, and that's just not right. In an age where, again, it's the public's information to begin with, it should not cost the public additional money to get that information," he told CTV News.
Samara Starkman is a data privacy expert and lawyer who is a managing partner with INQ consulting. She points out even the $5 fee introduced in Ontario has been a deterrent, despite the existence of a waiver to cancel fees.
She suggested that or a cap on fees in B.C. may be needed: "We believe the commissioner still has reason to be concerned about access."
The minister says the number of requests are going up, and it takes time to process them all. In a scrum with reporters, Beare added some media outlets put in more requests than all others combined. She said the decision was made after consultation.
Asked who suggested the fee would work, she responded, "health authorities, universities, other public sector bodies."
They all respond to information requests. Beare also insisted journalist and others had an "opportunity to comment."
Opposition parties and journalists rely on the requests when government doesn't answer questions. When it wasn't in power, the NDP regularly used the service.
McEvoy pointed out $25 may not seem like a lot, but can be an impediment.
"If you're going to various health authorities, if you're going to the Ministry of Health, if you're going to a whole range of public bodies, that $25 begins to add up fairly quickly," McEvoy said.
Starkman agreed the decision could fly in the face of what FOI rules are meant to do: provide transparency.
"You don't want to limit the ability to access public information, and to essentially close off the ability to hold government accountable."
The commissioner also said it's "exceedingly troubling" that public agencies will be able to store your personal data outside Canada, without explaining exactly how that information will be kept safe.
Starkman noted many private businesses already do this, and in this regard B.C. was behind many other jurisdictions. Still, she said the change would need to be accompanied by strict rules and safeguards.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.