Openness Advocates Unimpressed by Early Proposals for Access to Information Reform A federal review of the Access to Information regime has been announced by the Treasury Board Secretariat. Advocates for greater federal transparency are worried that this review will not address the law’s long-standing problems and may exacerbate them. The Access to Information law, which allows individuals to request federal documents for a $5 fee, is generally considered outdated and inconsistently applied, with agencies expected to respond within 30 days or provide justification for extensions.

• A federal review of the Access to Information regime is being conducted.
• Advocates are concerned the review will not fix existing problems with the law.
• There are fears the review could potentially worsen the situation.
• The Treasury Board Secretariat announced the review.
• The Access to Information law allows people to request federal documents for a $5 fee.
• The law is considered antiquated and unevenly administered.
• Federal agencies are expected to respond to requests within 30 days or explain delays.