NDP faces growing backlash over law that experts say could lead to more government secrecy
A wide-ranging coalition is calling on the NDP government to stop attempts to ram through controversial changes to the Freedom of Information Act, and instead refer the proposal to an all-party committee.
The B.C. Civil Liberties Association, The B.C. General Employees' Union, Independent Contractors Association and Lawyers Watch Canada are some of the more than a dozen organizations calling on the John Horgan government to withdraw Bill 22 and refer it to a special committee.
The legislative changes have drawn the ire of the privacy commissioner, journalism schools and others.
Under the proposed changes, some electronic records won't need to be kept and won't be searchable. The privacy commissioner worries that will be used to reject requests. Another change limits the commissioner's powers to make the government release records - a third - what critics call a "transparency tax."
The B.C. Freedom of Information and Privacy Association says the NDP is breaking a promise to make the legislature more transparent.
Jason Woywada, the executive director of FIPA said the party committed to bringing offices like those for the Clerk and Sargeant at Arms under freedom of information laws after two top officials were ousted amidst a spending scandal that couldn't be tracked through information requests. Former speaker Darryl Plecas made the allegations public.
"They could have taken steps that made transparency increase that put things like the Legislative Assembly under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act, which they agreed to at one point but have suddenly decided that that is in the best interests of their own secrecy," Woywada told CTV Vancouver.
Woywada believes the changes will hurt many British Columbians who are looking for information at all levels of government.
Just months ago, a legislature committee was formed to review the privacy laws, and has only met once. It has no input into the current legislation. The Minister of Citizen Services, Lisa Beare, told reporters there is an urgency to passing the bill.
"Our ministerial order which has been extended twice, which allows all these fabulous things that people have become accustomed to during COVID, like FaceTiming with their doctor or doing online conferences, that all expires at the end of December," she said Wednesday. Beare added that meant passing legislation.
However, when asked why the order couldn't have been extended while a committee studied the more controversial aspects, Beare replied there was "widespread consultation"
Judging by the criticisms, there also appears to be widespread backlash.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.