'Saying trust me isn't acceptable anymore', IPC

TORONTO, Oct. 14 /CNW/ - Ontario needs a tough new provincial law to ensure transparency and accountability in municipal governments, says the province's Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC).

In a report issued today, Ontario Commissioner, Dr. Ann Cavoukian calls on the province to enact an "Open Meetings" law and challenges all candidates in this year's municipal election to join her in pushing for legislation that will ensure greater integrity and openness in local governments.

"The public has been telling us they are very concerned about how their municipal tax dollars are being spent and how decisions are being made," says the Commissioner. "Last year alone, requests for access to information held by municipal government organizations jumped 25 per cent. Saying 'trust me' isn't acceptable any more."

Transparency, integrity and accountability have been hot topics in municipal election campaigns across Ontario this year. Concerns about "backroom" sessions, last minute changes to meeting agendas, the integrity of council members and the inappropriate use of "in-camera" sessions to hide issues from public scrutiny have grown in the province over the last few years.

"Many municipal governments are committed to operating in an open manner - and they should be commended for this," adds Cavoukian. "But the current rules leave too much room for potential abuse. We need a new law that will encourage integrity and help ensure that elected and appointed municipal officials operate in the public interest. The public has the right to know how decisions are made and to participate in the decision-making process."

The Commissioner calls for new legislation that:
- requires municipalities to give the public adequate advance notice of each council and committee meeting;
- prohibits councils from considering business not included on a published notice;
- gives the public a legal right to complain if it feels that open meeting rules have not been followed;
- establishes an efficient and accessible oversight system, with a body responsible for investigating complaints and resolving disputes; and
- provides remedies and penalties if the law has been broken.

"One of the key problems with how things work today is there is very little a person can do if he or she believes a municipality is working outside the rules," notes the IPC's Assistant Commissioner, Tom Mitchinson. "Without an oversight body and enforceable penalties, the only option is for that person to take the municipality to court - something very few people have the time or money to do."

Click here to get a copy of the report.

About the IPC
The Information and Privacy Commissioner is appointed by and reports to the Ontario Legislative Assembly and is independent of the government of the day. The Commissioner's mandate includes overseeing the access and privacy provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and helping to educate the public about access and privacy issues.

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