Privacy commissioner says Liberals can open info flow taps further
Posted July 25, 2013 8:37 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VICTORIA (NEWS1130) – BC’s information and privacy commissioner says the province is on the leading edge when it comes to opening the doors on government data, but citizens need more disclosure to the expense-related activities of ministers and deputy ministers.
Elizabeth Denham makes 18 recommendations in a report that reviews the transparency of the Liberal government’s open government initiative announced by Premier Christy Clark in July 2011.
Denham’s report assesses whether the initiative gives British Columbians access to information that allows them to hold the government to account.
Among her recommendations is a call for enhanced information about the expenses of cabinet and deputy ministers currently available on the government’s website.
Denham says information on travel expenses is currently available, but the hospitality expenses of minister and deputy ministers, along with audit reports and contracts over $10,000 should be available.
She says her report seeks to strengthen all areas of open government.