Ontario joins Canada’s information regulators’ call to modernize the access to information regime

Today, Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial Information Commissioners and Ombuds signed a joint resolution aimed at reinforcing the public's right to access government-held information.

Recognizing the urgent need for change, Canada’s information regulators are calling upon their respective governments to modernize legislation, policies and information management practices to help restore trust in institutions through the preservation and dissemination of our documentary heritage. To deliver on its promise towards greater transparency, accountability and reconciliation, Ontario must make urgent improvements to its access to information regime, supported by critical investments in resources and technological innovations.

“Government-held information is a valuable source of accurate and truthful facts about present and historical events. It’s an antidote to the increasing spread of toxic misinformation, and disinformation, that erodes trust in our democratic institutions,” said Patricia Kosseim, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. “This joint resolution urges our respective governments to strengthen access to information legislation, promote stronger information management practices and summon the courage it takes to build a culture of openness and transparency through proactive disclosure.”

Building on a joint resolution issued in 2019, today’s resolution was adopted during the annual meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial Information and Privacy Commissioners and Ombuds in Quebec City.

Learn more:

• Facilitating Canadians’ access to government records to help restore trust in our institutions
• RTKW 2023: Why access to information matters now more than ever (Commissioner’s blog)

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