Feds invite comment on information law amid concerns about pandemic slowdowns
Posted June 19, 2020 11:34 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA — The Trudeau government is inviting Canadians to say what they think of the federal law that allows the public to request information from federal departments and agencies.
But it could be weeks before people know exactly how they can provide feedback.
Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos this morning announced a review of the Access to Information regime, as the government had promised to do by the end of this week.
Last year the government introduced a requirement for regular access-to-information reviews every five years, with the first one to start by June 21 of this year.
In a statement, the government says it will take advantage of new digital approaches to engage with Canadians, with more details to be shared in coming weeks.
Information commissioner Caroline Maynard has expressed concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the ability of federal agencies to answer requests in a timely way.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2020.
The Canadian Press
