Ian Johnson, a board member of the coalition and Darce Fardy, its President, were in the legislature last Friday, November 10, when the Liberal caucus tabled two bills related to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

One bill, if enacted, would reduce the fees for using the Act to where they were before a major fee increase was imposed in 2002.  The freedom of information fees in Nova Scotia are the highest in Canada.  (All ten provinces, three territories and the federal government have adopted freedom of information legislation.) The Nova Scotia fees are $25.00 for an application and another $25.00 for an appeal to the Review Officer,  coupled with fees for processing.

The other bill would make it illegal to disclose the identities of applicants for information.

We were encouraged by the statement of the Minister of Justice that reducing the fees would be considered. 

The other bill is also important.  Applications for access to information must be considered on their merits, not on the identity or profession of the applicants.

The coalition will be looking for an opportunity to bring its concerns directly to the Minister of Justice who is responsible for the legislation.