OTTAWA -- The Liberal government says it is open to narrowing a provision of its Access to Information bill that many say would allow federal agencies to refuse to answer valid access requests.
The bill would permit an agency to reject a request unless the applicant stated the type of record being sought, the subject matter and the time-frame in which the documents were created.
Critics, including the information commissioner, say the criteria are unreasonably specific and could lead to rejection of worthy requests for federal files.
Treasury Board President Scott Brison told the House of Commons today the government would support a change requiring departments to seek approval from the commissioner before refusing a request.
Brison says the Liberals want to ensure the bill strengthens the Access to Information Act, which has changed little in 34 years.
The NDP plans to propose several amendments to the legislation when clause-by-clause review begins in committee, likely next week.
