Canada
Canadian FOI requests fall shortPosted Oct 20 2007
Almost half of all public information requests in Canada are not met according to the third annual 2007 Freedom of Information Audit conducted by the Canadian Newspaper Association.
Over a two-month period, reporters from more than 30 Canadian newspapers requested public records from federal, provincial and municipal courts. Information requested included water quality, criminal records and energy data among others. Reporters filed information requests in written form and in-person.
“That patchwork of service provides solid evidence of the confusion surrounding information requests, and a reluctance to assist the public, that pervades official channels. Bureaucrats and politicians seemingly don't want anyone looking over their shoulder, prying into possible mistakes, and airing embarrassing findings,” reported the Toronto Star, a participant in the study.
Overall, the government agencies released 59 percent of the information as requested. Of 32 written requests, 60 percent were denied. Of 85 initial in-person visits, 48 percent were denied.
Whether through fear of making a mistake or as an instinctively defensive reaction, they frequently force the requestor to formally request the information under the access law, even when the law says such information should normally be disclosed.,” according to the report.