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Alberta Passes Controversial Bill Limiting Access to Government Information

The legislation introduces broad exemptions and extended timelines, drawing criticism from the province's privacy commissioner over reduced transparency.

Alberta’s access to information watchdog says she wasn’t expecting the UCP government to heed her warnings about a bill she’s concerned will “significantly degrade” government transparency.The Alberta legislature is shown in Edmonton, on Thursday Oct.31, 2024.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
The Alberta Legislature is seen in Edmonton, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

Overview

  • Alberta's legislature has passed a bill that significantly limits public access to government documents, now awaiting royal assent.
  • The bill exempts documents created by or for the premier, ministers, and the Treasury Board, including emails and internal communications.
  • Privacy commissioner Diane McLeod warned the changes would 'significantly degrade' transparency, but her concerns were not addressed by the government.
  • The legislation also extends the response time for freedom of information requests to 30 business days and allows requests to be dismissed if deemed 'unreasonable.'
  • Minister Dale Nally defended the bill, asserting it protects confidential political conversations, while critics argue it undermines accountability.