From The Information & Privacy Commissioner

Openness and Transparency, reflects two vital principles underpinning our democratic system of government. If the processes of government are not open to scrutiny and evaluation, then government becomes less accountable. This openness may be to the media, the public or opposition parties. Let us not forget that the government is there at the pleasure of the governed. Transparency and accountability are essential to a free society.

At times, being open and transparent may cause some discomfort for the government of the day – so be it. The need to allow for government decisions and actions to be publicly evaluated and openly assessed remains one of the keys to responsible government. We should have no less.

A successful access to information regime also opens the door to effective public participation in the democratic process. We often hear talk of the so-called “democratic deficit,” reflected in such things as decreasing voter turnouts for general elections. Providing the public with access to the information required to assess government actions is a means to reduce this deficit...it is a way to connect citizens and government – hopefully bringing them closer together.

I believe that our freedom of information legislation in Ontario provides an effective means for accomplishing these goals. Both the municipal and provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Acts recognize the right of citizens to request and receive, not only their own personal information in the hands of government institutions, but general records as well. The Acts legislate a right of access to general records held by the government. Of equal importance, the Acts recognize and support the legitimate government interest in limited and specific exemptions to the right of access.