{"id":14958,"date":"2021-10-28T17:26:36","date_gmt":"2021-10-28T21:26:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/caj.ca\/?p=14958"},"modified":"2022-10-18T17:28:52","modified_gmt":"2022-10-18T21:28:52","slug":"a-thumb-in-the-eye-of-transparency-caj-denounces-b-c-s-proposed-foi-amendments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/caj.ca\/fr\/a-thumb-in-the-eye-of-transparency-caj-denounces-b-c-s-proposed-foi-amendments\/","title":{"rendered":"‘A thumb in the eye of transparency’: CAJ denounces B.C.’s proposed FOI amendments"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) calls on B.C. Premier John Horgan\u2019s government to immediately reverse course and abandon its outrageous plan to impose a $25 tariff on requests for information made under the province\u2019s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The proposed legislation, <\/span>Bill 22<\/span><\/a>, was tabled in the provincial legislature on October 18 by Lisa Beare, the minister of citizens\u2019 services. In addition to the so-called \u201cprescribed application fee\u201d, the legislation, if passed, would also add <\/span>additional loopholes<\/span><\/a> to allow departments and\/or agencies to avoid accountability for not fulfilling a request. The NDP holds a majority of seats in the legislature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBill 22 takes the \u2018free\u2019 out of freedom of information,\u201d said Brent Jolly, CAJ president. \u201cIn one fell swoop, we have gone from the 21st century back to the Stone Age with this bill. It is a thumb in the eye of transparency efforts to ensure governments are transparent in their day-to-day operations.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael McEvoy, the province\u2019s Information and Privacy Commissioner, has also issued a critical <\/span>analysis<\/span><\/a> of the government\u2019s bill. The CAJ endorses the <\/span>scathing rebuke<\/span><\/a> of Bill 22 described in a recent letter written by leaders from several journalism schools in B.C.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In an effort to provide constructive feedback to the negative effects this proposed legislation would have on journalists’ ability to effectively access public information, the CAJ has joined a growing coalition of groups and individuals concerned with government transparency. You can read our first submission to the provincial government <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many ways to improve B.C.\u2019s freedom of information legislation, from reducing wait times to ensuring strict adherence to the exemptions allowed under the Act. Charging members of the media a fee just to begin the process is not an improvement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTransparency means breaking down barriers, not erecting more walls,\u201d said Jolly. \u201cWhether it is about accessing information about COVID-19, police costs for the Fairy Creek blockades, and any points in between, this bill is anathema to democratic governance that blatantly disregards the public\u2019s right to know. It should be thrown overboard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If members are interested in volunteering to assist the CAJ in this campaign, please contact us at <\/span>admin@caj.ca<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Canadian Association of Journalists is a professional organization with over 1000 members across Canada. The CAJ\u2019s primary roles are public-interest advocacy work and professional development for its members.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

For more information:<\/b><\/p>\n

Brent Jolly, CAJ president<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

289-387-3179<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

brent@caj.ca<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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