Ontario government argues minister names tied to speeding vehicles should stay private

Ontario’s government is resisting the release of the names of cabinet ministers whose vehicles were caught speeding by automated cameras, saying disclosure would reveal personal travel habits and could unfairly harm reputations. Freedom of information records previously obtained by Global News showed that vehicles registered to cabinet ministers were ticketed 23 times over three years, with fines totaling more than $3,300. The records did not identify which ministers were connected to the offences. In arguments filed with Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commission, government lawyers said the records could show commuting patterns, driving behaviour and other details of a personal nature. Opposition critics, including NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth, say the public has a right to know because the tickets involved publicly funded vehicles and officials should be held to the same standards as other drivers. The appeal over disclosure is ongoing.