1. Implement all the recommendations for improving the Freedom of Information Act made by a 2004 Committee of the Legislature.

In 2004 the current BC Liberal government convened a Special Committee of the BC Legislature to review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The recommendations from the Committee were praised by many academics, organizations and individuals. The BC Liberals should immediately implement all the recommendations from their own Special Committee.

2. Restore adequate funding to the FOI system so that public bodies can respond to FOI requests within the required timelines and the Information and Privacy Commissioner can effectively oversee their responses.

In order for all provincial bodies to be able to meet statutory disclosure timetables, and the Commissioner’s office to keep up with appeals in a timely fashion, funding to these bodies must be increased.

3. Reform the BC government’s “culture of denial” towards Freedom of Information requests.

The Liberal government must send a clear message to political staff and civil servants that it is serious about creating an open government. That interference in FOI request will not be tolerated. The “culture of denial” that has grown in Victoria amongst political staff and civil servants includes: the use of stalling tactics; the tracking and delaying of requests by individual and groups considered hostile to the government; exorbitant fee assessments on FOI requests that often discourage requesters; the denial that documents exist; and other such tactics.