Access to information is AWOL

Election platforms all but silent on reforming the Act

This will be a very short post on the access-to-information election promises of the five main political parties. That’s because there’s nothing to write about.

With the release of the last platform today (Conservative), no party is committing to reforming the dysfunctional Access to Information Act, other than reciting cheap bromides. Some aren’t even offering bromides.

The silence is not unexpected. The tragicomedy in the White House has pivoted attention to economic sovereignty and resilience, and away from open government.

For the record, the Bloc Quebecois will “reform” the Act (no details), and the NDP will fight for a more “transparent” democracy (no details). The Greens promise to “reform access-to-information laws [there’s only one law] and make it easier for Canadians to see how their government spends money” (no details).

The Conservative and Liberal platforms have nothing to say on the matter.

A year ago, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre promised faster responses to Access to Information Act requests, should he become prime minister. He has also railed against cabinet secrecy, but the platform is silent on opening more cabinet documents to scrutiny.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney, a neophyte politician, has no track record on the issue at all.

The parties are clearly seized with a dangerous trade war and the inviolability of our border. They’re looking for big solutions, whether a gush of spending or significant downsizing.

Whatever the outcome on April 28, fundamental change is afoot for Canada. Pity that much of the policy process, and information about the consequences, will remain in the dark.