Highlights of information watchdog's report on Access to Information reform

The Canadian Press CP Politics

OTTAWA - Highlights of information commissioner Suzanne Legault's special report to Parliament on Access to Information reform:—Fill gaps in the law's coverage by extending it to agencies including ministers' offices and institutions that support Parliament and the courts;—Establish a legal duty to document government decisions;—Limit time extensions beyond the initial 30 days to 60 additional days, unless the information commissioner approves more time to answer a request;—Make cabinet records less than 20 years old subject to the law;—Loosen various restrictions that allow agencies to withhold information;—Create a general public interest override for release of information that embeds the principle of openness by default;—Give information commissioner power to order the release of records;—Require government to disclose more information automatically;—Create new penalties for failure to comply with the law;—Ensure the law is reviewed every five years.Follow @JimBronskill on Twitter