Gatineau, Québec – In a joint resolution, Canada’s information commissioners and ombuds from federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions are pressing their respective governments to prioritize transparency in the design and implementation of new systems, administrative processes, procedures, and governance models. This resolution reflects the need for a new standard in government operations and a collective commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability across all levels of government in Canada.
Canada’s information and privacy regulators believe that by adhering to eight key principles, public bodies and institutions can enhance public trust and ensure that government actions and decisions are properly documented and communicated in a spirit of transparency and to counter misinformation and disinformation.
This resolution underscores the importance of access to information for the effective functioning of Canadian society and its democracy. It calls on Canada’s governments to show leadership by making the modernization of legislative and governance regimes around freedom of information and protection of privacy a priority.
“Transparency is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy,” said Caroline Maynard, Information Commissioner of Canada. “By embedding transparency into the very fabric of our public institutions, we not only build trust between Canadians and their governments but also empower citizens to actively participate in the decision-making processes that shape our society. This resolution is a significant step toward ensuring that our public bodies operate with the openness and accountability that Canadians rightfully expect.”
“Citizens should be able to feel confident that governments will design systems and processes for day-to-day operations that promote transparency of government records,” said Diane McLeod, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta. “Transparency should be the norm. It builds trust between governments and those they represent and serve, and it is an important way to offset the rise of misinformation and disinformation. Here in Alberta, as in other jurisdictions across Canada and around the world, more work must be done to reach the level of transparency that citizens deserve.”
Related document :
Transparency by default – Information Regulators Call for a New Standard in Government Service
Through the OIPC, the Commissioner performs the responsibilities set out in Alberta’s three access to information and privacy laws, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act), the Health Information Act (HIA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). The Commissioner operates independently of government.
For more information:
Elaine Schiman
communications@oipc.ab.ca
Communications Manager
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
Mobile: (587) 983-8766
Public Affairs
Office of the Information Commissioner
communications@oic-ci.gc.ca
1-800-267-0441 option 4