Transparency advocates are urging for an independent review of Canada’s Access to Information Act, fearing a government-led process would repeat past failures. In a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, a coalition of civil society groups and academics is demanding a thorough and timely examination of the access law.

The upcoming federal review of the Act, which allows citizens to request federal documents (from emails to policy memos) for a nominal $5 fee, is facing intense scrutiny. Critics have long condemned the law as outdated and inefficient, highlighting a need for significant reform.

This call for independent oversight stems from concerns that a government-led review may be biased and fail to address the fundamental flaws within the current system. The advocates argue that only an independent panel can guarantee a truly impartial and effective evaluation, leading to meaningful improvements in access to government information.

The next review is anticipated to commence shortly, and the pressure is mounting on the government to ensure the process is transparent, credible, and ultimately results in a more effective and accessible system for Canadian citizens.