Changes to New Brunswick information law ‘an alarm bell’

The New Brunswick government has introduced amendments to the province’s Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. New provisions enable the government to direct how departments and other public bodies process requests for documents and records, and the ability to apply different rules depending on the circumstances. The government says the amendments will make the process more efficient. Critics say efficiency is not the only value to be considered, since “The most efficient right to information system possible would be one that gave people no right to information.” As well, the bill’s vague language gives unspecified power and responsibilities that can be easily abused, and creates a risk that “the minister will make arbitrary decisions or will be suspected of making arbitrary decisions” which will undermine the public’s trust in government and public institutions. Read the Bill 76 Read more background about the Bill