Ontario FOI changes raise concerns about transparency

Ontario’s recent freedom of information changes are now affecting requests, with some records being denied under the new rules. The province passed the law in spring, including provisions that exempt the premier, cabinet, and their staff from FOI access, and the changes apply retroactively to requests already in the system. The article says several requests for information about hospital deficits, flu briefings, Billy Bishop airport records, and Premier Doug Ford’s calendar have been rejected. Experts quoted in the piece argue that while the previous FOI system was cumbersome, it gave the public useful insight into government decisionmaking. Some analysts and former officials say the changes could help the government keep sensitive material out of public view, but they also risk creating the impression that the government is becoming more secretive. Ontario’s privacy commissioner has criticized the law, while the Ford government says it is aligning the province’s rules with federal practice.