Information Law: Documents and Cabinet Ministers

information law: The current law allows the government to keep hidden most documents provided to cabinet ministers, departments and other public agencies for 20 years, according to CTV. Paquin says the restriction should only apply to advice and recommendations, while background documents such as reports and studies should be released in many cases. Charlene Paquin says some aspects of the province's freedom of information law are too broad and keep government documents secret when they should be released. She also says it should be illegal for anyone to conceal the existence of documents in an attempt to thwart a request for information. The law should enable background information to be disclosed if the decision has been made public, or has been implemented, or five or more years have passed since the decision was made or considered, Paquin's report states, noting the changes would bring Manitoba in line with other provinces including Alberta and Nova Scotia. The recommendations are in a 56-page submission Paquin made as part a government review of its freedom of information law. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.