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On June 4, 2012, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of
Ontario ("IPC") released her 2011 Annual Report. The theme of the
report "Ever Vigilant" was chosen because, according the
IPC's press release, the reintroduction of
"lawful access" legislation (discussed in my previous
posts
here,
here and
here) "represented one of the most invasive threats to our
privacy and freedom" that the IPC has encountered and
represent, in her words, what she is calling "Surveillance by
Design."
Here are some highlights relating to access to government-held
information from the Annual Report and accompanying material.
A record number (45,159) of access to government-held
information requests were filed in Ontario in 2011 (up 16% year
over year).
A record number of appeals (1,214) appeals were issued
regarding government responses to those access to government-held
information requests.
The dramatic increases in public demand for government-held
information reflects the role of the Internet and accompanying
technologies and provides the opportunity for greater civic
participation but requires proactive rather than reactive
approaches to information disclosure.
The IPC has developed 7 principles to guide "Access by Design" to guide government and
public sector organizations in re-thinking access to
government-held information.
The IPC calls on the Government of Ontario to develop an
"Open Data" portal by the end of 2012. The IPC is
setting an example by making raw statistics available along with
its report.
About Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC)
FMC is one of Canada's leading business and litigation law
firms with more than 500 lawyers in six full-service offices
located in the country's key business centres. We focus on
providing outstanding service and value to our clients, and we
strive to excel as a workplace of choice for our people. Regardless
of where you choose to do business in Canada, our strong team of
professionals possess knowledge and expertise on regional, national
and cross-border matters. FMC's well-earned reputation for
consistently delivering the highest quality legal services and
counsel to our clients is complemented by an ongoing commitment to
diversity and inclusion to broaden our insight and perspective on
our clients' needs. Visit:
www.fmc-law.com
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