Premier Doug Ford’s daily calendar will no longer be accessible to the public following recent amendments to Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). These changes, which took effect in late April, specifically exclude records held by ministers and their offices from FOI requests. Since Ford assumed office in 2018, he has not provided a daily itinerary of his public events, leading CBC News to submit multiple FOI requests for his calendar, which were often met with redactions. The latest request was denied, confirming that such records are now off-limits. Critics, including experts and opposition parties, argue that the amendments undermine transparency and public accountability, with concerns that they represent a significant rollback of democratic access to government activities.
Why It Matters
The changes to Ontario’s FOI laws are significant as they reflect a growing trend of reduced transparency in government, particularly following historical crises that have led to increased cabinet confidentiality worldwide. Previously, Ontario was one of the few jurisdictions in Canada without explicit protections for ministerial records; however, experts argue that existing laws already provided adequate safeguards for cabinet confidences. The shift in Ontario’s FOI regulations aligns with a broader pattern of governments limiting access to information, which can hinder public oversight and accountability. Transparency has been a critical issue in governance, with many advocating for stronger access laws to ensure that citizens can hold their leaders accountable.
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