Money is so short that it threatens the information commissioner’s ability to protect the rights of Canadians, says Commissioner Suzanne Legault. She is the person who handles complaints from people who are having trouble getting records from federal government agencies. The right to this information is guaranteed by Canada’s Access to Information law.
The problem is that requests rose by 30 per cent last year and nine per cent the year before. But the commissioner’s budget has not increased to keep pace.
“Without additional funding, I will no longer be able to carry out my mandate responsibly and ensure full respect of Canadians’ rights of access to information, wrote Legault in her annual performance report. “As such, I intend to seek the support of the Treasury Board to obtain the necessary financing.”
Legault will also soon release a report recommending changes to update the Access to Information Law. Pro-democracy groups and opposition groups agree on the need for change. But the Treasury Board President Tony Clement has rejected the notion, saying it is a good piece of legislation.
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