![]() ![]() For the first time, the public has access to what the Prime Minister is mandating ministers do within their departments and what some of those expectations are. ![]() It is because this Prime Minister has made that information public. For example, we require that mandate letters and revised mandate letters to ministers be incorporated. Not only did the leader of the Liberal Party initiate the debate on transparency and accountability through proactive disclosure, but we even talked about enhancing it more in the last federal election. It will ensure that there is a higher sense of accountability and transparency in government. This service will better facilitate the flow of information. As opposed to requests having to come in, the information would automatically be made available. Proactive disclosure is one of the ways we can deal with the many different types of questions being asked of the commissioner or the departments in the first place. We have seen that with governments of all political stripes. Often, there are individuals who want to try to draw out more regular information from government. Many of those who are listening to or following the debate might ask what proactive disclosure is. Therefore, by passing this legislation, we would be mandating in law that the legislation be reviewed periodically so that we do not have a 30-year gap between the times that we look at ways to improve access to information. As my colleague from the Atlantic coast pointed out, not only will this legislation be changed today, but within the legislation we also have a review clause. Access to information has not been modernized for decades. Why would the NDP, in particular, but the Conservatives also, not recognize the true value of what is proposed in this legislation? I can understand the unholy alliance that has taken place, especially during question period and on certain issues, between the New Democrats and the Conservatives, but I do not quite understand why they persist in saying that this is bad legislation. What we are debating today is further proactive disclosure to include not only members of Parliament but also the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices, and other independent offices. ![]() Massé (Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia) ![]()
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