Prices in Canada continue to go up under Mark Carney’s government, and many of them are automatic, meaning that Parliament does not approve them (cost of postage, alcohol, passports etc.) Does this increasing reliance on ‘escalator’ taxes concern you? Let me know here!

Proposed Changes to the Access to Information Act Raise Red Flags

April 2, 2026

For decades, Canada’s Access to Information (ATI) Act has served as a vital tool for journalists, parliamentarians, and Canadians to hold governments accountable. However, new proposals from the President of the Treasury Board to update the Act have raised significant concerns.

In early March, the government released 25 policy proposals as part of the public engagement phase of the Access to Information Act’s review. Among these are proposals to remove emails and text messages from ATI requests, as well as measures that would allow the government to pause requests or declare an “emergency,” which would allow requests to go unanswered for an undetermined amount of time.

If adopted, these changes could significantly weaken Canada’s access to information framework by granting the government broader authority to delay or redact information provided to Canadians.

The proposals have drawn strong criticism from Canada’s independent Information Commissioner, who issued a statement expressing concern and disappointment. Ultimately stating that she “cannot support several of the proposals” put forward by the Liberal government.

As Conservative Shadow Minister for the Treasury Board, Stephanie has raised this issue directly with the President of the Treasury Board and has launched an e-petition calling on the Government of Canada to:

  1. Use the legislative review of the Access to Information Act to address the most pressing issues, such as unacceptable delays;
  2. Remove proposals that would reduce transparency and accountability, including those altering the definition of “official record” to exclude emails and text messages;
  3. Provide Canadians with objective, evidence-based justification for any proposed changes to the Act; and
  4. Fully and transparently consult the independent Information Commissioner of Canada on any proposed legislative amendments.

You can sign Stephanie’s e-petition here.

Conservatives believe that any changes to the Access to Information Act must serve Canadians by strengthening – not weakening – transparency and accountability.

As the public engagement phase continues and legislative amendments are eventually brought before the House of Commons, Stephanie will continue to advocate for changes to proposals that undermine the intent of the Act and will push for a more open and transparent Access to Information system.