Despite lip service, Trudeau government denies release of memos on openness

Federal proposals on how to make the government more open are being kept secret.

The Treasury Board Secretariat has chosen to withhold key memos to minister Scott Brison on reforming the antiquated Access to Information Act.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has promised to amend the access law so that federal information is open by default.

But Canadians aren’t allowed to see the advice from officials on how to reach that goal.

The Canadian Press used the access law to request recent briefing notes and memos to Brison on possible reforms. However, entire pages were withheld for fear of revealing government advice, consultations or deliberations.

It is “really troubling” that the public is denied insight into the process, said Sean Holman, an assistant professor of journalism at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Some passages in the 17 pages of government records have been declared cabinet confidences, meaning they cannot be disclosed.