Transparency Matters - Bill 9
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
*Blog post created from the transcript of this debate, simplified and condensed for readability.
Why Transparency in Government Matters
During debate in the Legislature, I spoke about the Bill 9: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act, 2026 and why access to information matters to the people of British Columbia.
At its core, freedom of information is simple: people have a right to know what their government is doing.
Unfortunately, this bill moves us in the wrong direction.
While it is presented as a modernization of the system, many of the proposed changes would make it easier for government to delay, refuse, or limit access to information that should belong to the public.
Freedom of information is not a bureaucratic convenience.It is a democratic necessity.
Why This Matters for Rural Communities
For people living in rural communities like Salmon Arm–Shuswap, access to information is not an abstract idea.
Decisions made behind closed doors can affect real things in people’s lives, such as:
whether permits move forward or stall
whether local services remain in the community
whether projects are approved or quietly delayed
Rural communities already face challenges that larger cities often do not — longer travel distances, fewer services, and limited administrative resources.
When transparency breaks down, rural residents are often the ones who feel the impact first.
Freedom of information helps level the playing field by allowing citizens to ask basic but important questions:
Why was this decision made?
Who was consulted?
What information was used?
When those answers are delayed or withheld, accountability suffers.
As the saying goes, accountability delayed is accountability denied.
Government Does Not Own Public Information
Government does not own public information.
It is simply the temporary custodian of that information.
Public records belong to the people whose lives are affected by government decisions and whose tax dollars fund public services.
That includes:
farmers managing land and regulations
families navigating healthcare wait lists
small municipalities planning infrastructure
rural taxpayers funding government programs
People expect clear answers about decisions that affect their communities.
Transparency helps build trust in government.
A confident government does not fear scrutiny. A responsible government does not hide information.
A Growing Concern About Transparency
In recent years we have seen a worrying trend toward less openness.
Decisions are sometimes announced without supporting data. Policies move forward before consultation results are released .Freedom of information requests face growing delays.
These trends weaken trust in public institutions.
Freedom of information allows citizens, journalists, and elected representatives to ask questions and understand how decisions are being made.
That transparency strengthens democracy.
Protecting Openness and Accountability
Freedom is rarely lost all at once.
More often, it is reduced gradually through small changes that slowly limit access and accountability.
Freedom of information must be protected.
British Columbians are not asking for special treatment — they are asking for clear answers, fair access to information, and accountable government.
Transparency is not a threat to government. It is one of the foundations of democracy.
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