Question Period Note: ACCESS TO INFORMATION

What is the government doing to provide Canadians with information during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• The Government remains committed to maintaining the openness and transparency of government during this challenging time.

• In line with the Information Commissioner’s suggestions, the Government has committed to making information related to COVID-19 and the Government’s response proactively available.

• The COVID-19 page on the Open Government Portal helps make it easier for Canadians to find information about the work we are doing to address the pandemic. There is already over 148 related records available, and we will continue to add more information in the future, including in respect of the Canada Emergency Response Benefits.

• TBS continues to engage with the offices of the Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner to ensure that these essential oversight bodies are aware of the government’s current approach and the operational constraints facing institutions.

• On May 28, 2020, the National Post reported that the President of the Treasury Board wrote to his Cabinet colleagues encouraging them to make as much information as possible available to Canadians on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

• The President’s message follows calls from the federal Information Commissioner, the Canadian Association of Journalists and an ad-hoc accountability group for concrete actions to ensure transparency during the pandemic.

• The President’s letter also reminded Ministers of the importance of documenting decisions and the measures that are in place to manage and safeguard Government of Canada information in their care.

KEY FACTS
• As of May 29, 2020 the Open Government Portal has 148 COVID-19 related records available for Canadians access.