Joint resolution issued on trust, transparency and democracy in an era of misinformation
In an era where false and misleading information can spread rapidly and influence public discourse, Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial information commissioners and ombuds (FPT Information Regulators) are urging governments and public institutions to modernize access to information laws, proactively disclose records, and ensure the integrity of public information.
The call comes in a joint resolution, entitled “Trust, transparency, and democracy in a era of misinformation”, which was passed at the annual meeting of FPT Information Regulators responsible for overseeing access to information. The meeting was held in Banff in early October, hosted by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta.
The resolution calls upon governments to promote a more robust information ecosystem.
“Rapid changes in technology, the advent of AI, and a growing tendency to spend a significant amount of time online have meant that people are exposed every day to misinformation and disinformation,” said Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, Diane McLeod. “This means that citizens can often have difficulty knowing what to believe. As information regulators, we are tackling this problem in a wide range of ways. A key element is encouraging governments to provide information about their operations that is accurate, reliable and easy to access.”
“In today’s digital world, Canadians are bombarded with information every day—some of it true, some of it not. When governments are transparent and information is easy to access, people can make informed decisions about their health, their communities, and their democracy. This resolution is about protecting the public’s right to know and building trust in the institutions that serve them,” said Caroline Maynard, Information Commissioner of Canada.
Misinformation thrives in environments where transparency is lacking. “By embracing transparency and proactively making accurate information available to the public, public institutions can play a crucial role in strengthening our collective information ecosystem, countering misinformation, enhancing trust, and preserving the integrity and resilience of democratic societies”, states the resolution.
Access to government-held information matters to Canadians. Whether it’s understanding how public health decisions are made, accessing environmental data, or verifying the facts behind government policies, reliable information empowers Canadians to make informed choices. When institutions are transparent and information is easy to access, citizens are better equipped to engage in public life, challenge misinformation, and hold decision-makers accountable. Transparency is key to a healthy democracy.
The resolution outlines specific recommendations, including:
- Codifying a duty to document and setting minimum standards for proactive disclosure;
- Ensuring public institutions have the resources to effectively run their access and transparency programs;
- Supporting media and civil society in promoting the public’s right to know, and
- Enhancing digital and media literacy and regulating online platforms for greater transparency.
The regulators also commit to improving their own transparency practices, collaborating with other oversight bodies, and reducing delays in access to information processes.
In recent years, related joint resolutions focused on restoring trust through access to government records (2023) and promoting transparency by default in public service delivery (2024).
Through the OIPC, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta performs the responsibilities set out in Alberta’s access to information and privacy laws, the Access to Information Act, the Protection of Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act during the transition period, the Health Information Act, and the Personal Information Protection Act. The Commissioner operates independently of government.
Related documents:
Joint resolution: Trust, transparency, and democracy in an era of misinformation
For more information:
Elaine Schiman
Communications Manager
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
communications@oipc.ab.ca
Mobile: (587) 983-8766
www.oipc.ab.ca