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Highlights Of Information Watchdog's Report On Access To Information Reform

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 31 Mar, 2015 02:33 PM

    OTTAWA — Highlights of information commissioner Suzanne Legault's special report to Parliament on Access to Information reform:

    —Fill gaps in the law's coverage by extending it to agencies including ministers' offices and institutions that support Parliament and the courts;

    —Establish a legal duty to document government decisions;

    —Limit time extensions beyond the initial 30 days to 60 additional days, unless the information commissioner approves more time to answer a request;

    —Make cabinet records less than 20 years old subject to the law;

    —Loosen various restrictions that allow agencies to withhold information;

    —Create a general public interest override for release of information that embeds the principle of openness by default;

    —Give information commissioner power to order the release of records;

    —Require government to disclose more information automatically;

    —Create new penalties for failure to comply with the law;

    —Ensure the law is reviewed every five years.

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