ACCESS TO INFORMATION DATABASE MUST RETURN: CAJ

OTTAWA, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Journalists applauds a new proposal urging the federal government to automatically post all access to information requests online.

The recommendation from federal Access to Information Commissioner Suzanne Legault in a new report concludes that a tracking system cancelled in 2008 "provided real value to requesters and the public in general."

We agree.

"The current system simply sets up bureaucratic roadblocks for anyone seeking material that may have already been approved for release," said CAJ President Mary Agnes Welch. "This simply does not make sense at a time when technology presents a much more transparent alternative."

Ms. Legault's report was in response to concern over the 2008 cancellation of a federal database known as CAIRS, the Co-ordination of Access to Information Request System.

The database was used by a wide variety of people in order to monitor what others have requested under the Act. By knowing such information, individuals could ask for their own copies of newly public documents.

The CAJ is Canada's largest national professional organization for journalists from all media, representing about 800 members across the country. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide high-quality professional development for its members and public-interest advocacy.

For further information:

Mary Agnes Welch, CAJ president [phone], cell [phone]
En Francais:
Elizabeth Thompson, national director [phone]