Newspapers Canada Finds Uneven FOI Performance in Audit
(firmenpresse) - TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 09/27/11 -- A total refusal to release contracts in Winnipeg, Quebec's denial of basic accountability information about top officials' spending, passenger manifests for Ontario's executive aircraft on which names deleted after six months and the federal government's stubborn refusal to release data in a useful form are just some of the findings of the Newspapers Canada sixth annual National Freedom of Information Audit, which tests the openness of governments across the country.
The 2011 audit is the largest in the history of the project, with 354 requests on 40 topics sent to all three levels of government as well as to crown corporations and hospitals.
"Because many of the requests were identical, the audit offers a unique comparison of different FOI handling across the country," said Newspapers Canada CEO John Hinds. "The audit shines a light on uneven practices that are not in line with the spirit of the legislation."
At each level of government there were several identical requests. Institutions were not told they were being audited. The audit grades institutions on the speed and completeness of their responses.
Audit Highlights:
"There is reason for hope that the system is improving due to speedy handling of requests by municipal officials, and a refreshing openness about municipal contracts in places such as Saskatchewan, but there is much room for improvement in many areas," said Hinds. "Ontario continues to charge a fee more often than any other jurisdiction for what is public information. Officials should consider following New Brunswick's lead and removing fees altogether."
The project was led by Fred Vallance-Jones, assistant professor of journalism at the University of King's College in Halifax. A student audit team submitted and tracked the requests from January to May 2011.
To view the audit, visit the Newspapers Canada website - .
About Newspapers Canada
Newspapers Canada is the voice of Canada's daily and community newspaper industry. We promote the positive reputation of newspapers as an essential medium that benefits all Canadians, and as an effective vehicle for advertisers. We act as a vigorous champion of journalistic freedom and democratic reform and a valued source of industry information, trends and best practices.
Contacts:
Newspapers Canada
John Hinds
CEO
416-923-0858
University of King's College
Fred Vallance-Jones
(902) 402-8202
Newspapers Canada
Susan Down
Managing Director, Dailies
416-923-3567 x 231
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Datum: 27.09.2011 - 04:30 Uhr
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