It's not the best start to an open, transparent and accountable year. Just two months into 2009, the province's access to information commissioner has twice had to point out that the provincial government's Executive Council has dragged its feet about co-operating with appeals of information the government has decided to withhold from the public.
And this time, the commissioner has pointed out quite bluntly that the Executive Council's reasons for withholding information don't hold water.
This time, someone asked Executive Council for letters to the premier about a review of the province's inland fisheries and wildlife enforcement program. The department responded with a laundry list of reasons for holding back details, claiming exemptions under the act's sections 18, 20, 22, 23 and 30.
Here's what the access commissioner said about the department's shotgun approach: "The commissioner found that section 20 was not applicable to most of the information for which it was claimed. Despite the fact that the record contained preliminary findings, this alone was not a sufficient reason to withhold information under section 20. A large portion of the record was factual and must be released under section 20(2)(a), while other information did not reveal advice and recommendations and therefore could not be withheld under section 20(1)(a).
"The commissioner also found that section 22(1)(a) was not applicable, as the information for which it was claimed was not a 'law enforcement' matter.
"Section 22(1)(e) was also not applicable because again, there was no 'law enforcement' matter, nor, on its face, was there any 'intelligence information' at issue and the department failed to show otherwise.
"Section 23(1)(b) was not applicable to the information for which it had been claimed, as the department failed to show the information had been received in confidence.
"The commissioner also found that the department failed to participate meaningfully in the informal resolution process by not responding to inquiries from the commissioner's office in a timely manner, despite repeated attempts by the office to solicit their involvement."
This, on top of the last appeal to Executive Council, where, once again, transparency - once a supposed hallmark of the Williams government - seemed to be far down the administration's list of priorities.
In that case, the access commissioner simply asked Executive Council to substantiate its claim for the volume of e-mails it said it would have to go through.
"An investigator from this office initially asked for this information by e-mail dated Oct. 14, 2008. Several follow-up communications were made to the departmental co-ordinator, asking when and if the information was forthcoming. The co-ordinator could offer no response to these inquiries; she was not aware when the information would be provided to this office or what the reason was for the delay. The requested information was finally received by this office on Dec. 17, 2008.
"This delay is unacceptable and put this office in a difficult position. In future, Executive Council should endeavour to effect more timely and active co-operation with this office if it wishes to operate within the spirit and intent of the (act)."
The proof, they say, is in the pudding. And this pudding is beginning to taste like something - but it isn't accountability or transparency.
Data denied
- Published on Febuary 19th, 2009
- Published on July 1st, 2010
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Staff ~ The Telegram
It's not the best start to an open, transparent and accountable year. Just two months into 2009, the province's access to information commissioner has twice had to point out that the provincial government's Executive Council has dragged its feet about co-operating with appeals of information the government has decided to withhold from the public.
And this time, the commissioner has pointed out quite bluntly that the Executive Council's reasons for withholding information don't hold water.
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- Joy
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:35:02
Speech from the Throne 2008 Delivered at the Opening of the First Session of the Forty-Sixth General Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador on Monday, March 10, 2008 by His Honour The Honourable John C. Crosbie,PC, OC, ONL, QC Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly: My Government moved early and effectively to shine the spotlight of accountability on the operations of the Government and of the House of Assembly. My Government commissioned Chief Justice Derek Green to recommend an overhaul of management procedures at the House of Assembly and subsequently enacted legislation reflecting his recommendations. Among his recommendations was a call for whistleblower legislation establishing procedures for the disclosure of wrongdoings and for protecting public servants who disclose wrongdoings. My Government will introduce whistleblower legislation this year after appropriate consultation has taken place. http://www.exec.gov.nl.ca/thronespeech/2008/speech2008.htm#Strong_Health_Care
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- john
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:34:11
danny speaks for every member elected to goverment no one else is allowed to speak and if they have something to say they have to get permission from williams hale to king danny
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- Eugene
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:31:20
I concur, Stev. Danny Williams' bible is 'Wealth of Nations' and his experience is in the private sector where privacy (shielding one's cards) is de rigeur. How a government, in an ostensibly capitalist society, is supposed to act is anyone's guess. We've had proponents of complete privatization, nationlization, or abdication of government responsibilities running the show. Personally, I feel that Danny's faith in 'free enterprise' is so strong that he is in the process of turning our province's institutions into agencies (much like the feds) or semi-private entities which will operate further outside the meddling public's view. They may have different political colours but you can tell them by their stripes: unlike Clyde Wells' attempt to privatize Newfoundland Hydro, Danny and his crew have managed to create an 'energy corporation' that is shielded from freedom of information requests. He's trumpeted the need for 'discreet counsel' much as he trumpeted 'transparency' in opposition. Please keep us informed on your on-going information battles.
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- Graham
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:30:35
Mr Bones why do you continue to astonish us with your blind love of your idol Danny Williams?. The Speech from the throne Mar 10 2008 was read by His Honour John C Crosbie the Lieutenant Governor written by Premier Williams in which he makes constant reference to MY Government. My point that you usually seem to not want to see Mr Bones is that Williams is all about HIMSELF NEVER WE OR US. You spend way too much time on the world wide webbie Mr Bones and not enough time in real life. That too will change as you mature. I do stand corrected however about my dictator comparison. Danny Williams is an elected dictator. Elected under all the rules and regulations of a democaratic province and country. At the time of his election we all had high hopes and aspirations for Mr Williams. To see what this man has become over the past few years is nothing short of a dictator. Willliams does not rule by decree ill give you that one, but he does appear to be ruling by devine right. Now back to work for me Mr Bones. We all think we know by now what your job is and you do appear to be good at it. By the way Mr Bones the definition of dictator you presented is Williams to a T. He holds and abuses an extrodinary amount of personal power. Thanks for pointing that out to all of us Mr Bones. You really do have some good qualities Mr Bones but the light from Dannys Halo has your vision a little blurred at times. That too shall pass. Have a great day Mr Bones.
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- stev
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:30:27
When are people ( kool aid drinkers) going to realized that King Danny is no different than the rest. There are two kinds of snake in this world. one bites you and gets it over with quick, the wraps itself around you slowly and squeezes so you don't know its killing you. Which kind is Danny? He's in it for himself.... for something.The rest of us havn't figure out what it is he wants. Only time will tell.
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- randy
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:29:35
How much crap is being covered up by Danny and his spin doctors.We'll never fully know untill we give him the boot
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- Graham
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:25:32
Since when is any dictator open honest and transparent? Danny Castro has absolute power and sad part is we gave it too him. More and more people are finally seeing what I have been preachinmg for a couple of years now. Danny Williams is all about Danny Williams plain and simple. He used the oldest trick in the book right from day one. Look at me how great I am I wont even take a salary I am doing all this because I love my province and I love my people. To this day people still believe this garbage from King Danny. That alone is frustrating to say the least. He has surrounded himself with a bunch of yes sir no sir people who will do and say whatever he tells them to do and say. The best example of that is probably Health Minister Ross Wiseman. Where is Minister Wiseman anyway? Health care is in CRISIS thye nurses are on the verge of a province wide strike and Minister Wiseman is no where to be seen. Williams and Kennedy are now talking for Wiseman. Must be a nice change for Mr Wiseman to not have Dannys hand up his arse making his mouth move like the puppit he is. Thank god for the media The Telegram in particular for at least trying to in some small way make this Williams dictatorship somewhat accountable.
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- Bones
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:22:35
Graham: The MY you speak of was in a speech by Mr. Crosbie. He was talking about his government, lol. You'd think that fact would have come up somewhere, hey? It's not Crosbie's government either, but you're cool with that? From the world wide wibble...Wilki, to be precise. Maybe you could add Williams name to the entry. Wilki won't remove it if it can be proven legit. Dictator: In modern usage, the term dictator is generally used to describe a leader who holds and/or abuses an extraordinary amount of personal power, especially the power to make laws without effective restraint by a legislative assembly. Dictatorships are often characterized by some of the following traits: suspension of elections and of civil liberties; proclamation of a state of emergency; rule by decree; repression of political opponents without abiding by rule of law procedures. Now I will laugh at you again, lol. Williams is hardly what I'd call a dictator, the mere fact that you can get on here and speak your mind solidifies that. You'd be flogged under a real dictator, quite possibly, worse.
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- W
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:21:09
Funny how he preaches open and transparent governance but denies just about every request. Also, this govt has said to others who were requesting info that they don't document minister briefings...............hilarious...............not to mention I saw Danny on Out of teh Fog a few weeks ago saying it would be impossible for them to grant every access to info becasue it would bog down govt..............even funnier. I support Danny on a lot of issues however I also think he is doing a terrible job with acces to info, health care and not being able to put personal issues aside from others. I think Danny is doing a good job overall, I grade him at 60-70%. People, don't forget it is easy to govern when you have money, like we do now. If we go into a recession, then we see how good Danny really is, becasue his supporting cast is very weak and are riding his coat tails bigtime.
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- Bones
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:18:03
Ken: It seems the term repression is open to interpretation? I simply assumed it to be something akin to the repression of black people back in the day. Your definition fits, it's a little thin though. A true dictator would have wiped them out entirely, no? Graham: I've heard Williams speak of NL, its pride, its strength, and its people a multitude of times. WE matter, even those of US who like to wear tinfoil hats or were, inadvertently, born with thick skulls. lol
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- Ken
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:17:57
Hi Bones, You say repression of political opponents as evidence of a dictator. Isn't that what Danny did? No cash for Liberals. Lots for PC's. I laugh at you. LOL.
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- Graham
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:17:45
Joy thank you for shareing that information with all of us. It too shows the real Danny Williams. Everything in there was MY MY MY not a single OUR Government.
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- Brenda M.
- - July 2nd, 2010 at 13:17:33
Is there a party at Confederation Building in March to celebrate our ' have status '? Why is it the townies get to have a party.? Are we in rural Newfoundland not entitled. When will I get my invitation? br br Oh yes the money spent to televise the House of Assembly was a waste. There's nothing on that channel. I checked numerous times. Blank. Nothing happening I guess. br br Open govt. NOT really. Good editorial
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- Joy
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:24:50
Speech from the Throne 2008 Delivered at the Opening of the First Session of the Forty-Sixth General Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador on Monday, March 10, 2008 by His Honour The Honourable John C. Crosbie,PC, OC, ONL, QC Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly: My Government moved early and effectively to shine the spotlight of accountability on the operations of the Government and of the House of Assembly. My Government commissioned Chief Justice Derek Green to recommend an overhaul of management procedures at the House of Assembly and subsequently enacted legislation reflecting his recommendations. Among his recommendations was a call for whistleblower legislation establishing procedures for the disclosure of wrongdoings and for protecting public servants who disclose wrongdoings. My Government will introduce whistleblower legislation this year after appropriate consultation has taken place. http://www.exec.gov.nl.ca/thronespeech/2008/speech2008.htm#Strong_Health_Care
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- john
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:23:18
danny speaks for every member elected to goverment no one else is allowed to speak and if they have something to say they have to get permission from williams hale to king danny
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- Eugene
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:19:46
I concur, Stev. Danny Williams' bible is 'Wealth of Nations' and his experience is in the private sector where privacy (shielding one's cards) is de rigeur. How a government, in an ostensibly capitalist society, is supposed to act is anyone's guess. We've had proponents of complete privatization, nationlization, or abdication of government responsibilities running the show. Personally, I feel that Danny's faith in 'free enterprise' is so strong that he is in the process of turning our province's institutions into agencies (much like the feds) or semi-private entities which will operate further outside the meddling public's view. They may have different political colours but you can tell them by their stripes: unlike Clyde Wells' attempt to privatize Newfoundland Hydro, Danny and his crew have managed to create an 'energy corporation' that is shielded from freedom of information requests. He's trumpeted the need for 'discreet counsel' much as he trumpeted 'transparency' in opposition. Please keep us informed on your on-going information battles.
-
- Graham
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:18:31
Mr Bones why do you continue to astonish us with your blind love of your idol Danny Williams?. The Speech from the throne Mar 10 2008 was read by His Honour John C Crosbie the Lieutenant Governor written by Premier Williams in which he makes constant reference to MY Government. My point that you usually seem to not want to see Mr Bones is that Williams is all about HIMSELF NEVER WE OR US. You spend way too much time on the world wide webbie Mr Bones and not enough time in real life. That too will change as you mature. I do stand corrected however about my dictator comparison. Danny Williams is an elected dictator. Elected under all the rules and regulations of a democaratic province and country. At the time of his election we all had high hopes and aspirations for Mr Williams. To see what this man has become over the past few years is nothing short of a dictator. Willliams does not rule by decree ill give you that one, but he does appear to be ruling by devine right. Now back to work for me Mr Bones. We all think we know by now what your job is and you do appear to be good at it. By the way Mr Bones the definition of dictator you presented is Williams to a T. He holds and abuses an extrodinary amount of personal power. Thanks for pointing that out to all of us Mr Bones. You really do have some good qualities Mr Bones but the light from Dannys Halo has your vision a little blurred at times. That too shall pass. Have a great day Mr Bones.
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- stev
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:18:17
When are people ( kool aid drinkers) going to realized that King Danny is no different than the rest. There are two kinds of snake in this world. one bites you and gets it over with quick, the wraps itself around you slowly and squeezes so you don't know its killing you. Which kind is Danny? He's in it for himself.... for something.The rest of us havn't figure out what it is he wants. Only time will tell.
-
- randy
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:17:06
How much crap is being covered up by Danny and his spin doctors.We'll never fully know untill we give him the boot
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- Graham
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:11:54
Since when is any dictator open honest and transparent? Danny Castro has absolute power and sad part is we gave it too him. More and more people are finally seeing what I have been preachinmg for a couple of years now. Danny Williams is all about Danny Williams plain and simple. He used the oldest trick in the book right from day one. Look at me how great I am I wont even take a salary I am doing all this because I love my province and I love my people. To this day people still believe this garbage from King Danny. That alone is frustrating to say the least. He has surrounded himself with a bunch of yes sir no sir people who will do and say whatever he tells them to do and say. The best example of that is probably Health Minister Ross Wiseman. Where is Minister Wiseman anyway? Health care is in CRISIS thye nurses are on the verge of a province wide strike and Minister Wiseman is no where to be seen. Williams and Kennedy are now talking for Wiseman. Must be a nice change for Mr Wiseman to not have Dannys hand up his arse making his mouth move like the puppit he is. Thank god for the media The Telegram in particular for at least trying to in some small way make this Williams dictatorship somewhat accountable.
-
- Bones
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:07:01
Graham: The MY you speak of was in a speech by Mr. Crosbie. He was talking about his government, lol. You'd think that fact would have come up somewhere, hey? It's not Crosbie's government either, but you're cool with that? From the world wide wibble...Wilki, to be precise. Maybe you could add Williams name to the entry. Wilki won't remove it if it can be proven legit. Dictator: In modern usage, the term dictator is generally used to describe a leader who holds and/or abuses an extraordinary amount of personal power, especially the power to make laws without effective restraint by a legislative assembly. Dictatorships are often characterized by some of the following traits: suspension of elections and of civil liberties; proclamation of a state of emergency; rule by decree; repression of political opponents without abiding by rule of law procedures. Now I will laugh at you again, lol. Williams is hardly what I'd call a dictator, the mere fact that you can get on here and speak your mind solidifies that. You'd be flogged under a real dictator, quite possibly, worse.
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- W
- - July 1st, 2010 at 20:04:28
Funny how he preaches open and transparent governance but denies just about every request. Also, this govt has said to others who were requesting info that they don't document minister briefings...............hilarious...............not to mention I saw Danny on Out of teh Fog a few weeks ago saying it would be impossible for them to grant every access to info becasue it would bog down govt..............even funnier. I support Danny on a lot of issues however I also think he is doing a terrible job with acces to info, health care and not being able to put personal issues aside from others. I think Danny is doing a good job overall, I grade him at 60-70%. People, don't forget it is easy to govern when you have money, like we do now. If we go into a recession, then we see how good Danny really is, becasue his supporting cast is very weak and are riding his coat tails bigtime.
-
- Bones
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:59:09
Ken: It seems the term repression is open to interpretation? I simply assumed it to be something akin to the repression of black people back in the day. Your definition fits, it's a little thin though. A true dictator would have wiped them out entirely, no? Graham: I've heard Williams speak of NL, its pride, its strength, and its people a multitude of times. WE matter, even those of US who like to wear tinfoil hats or were, inadvertently, born with thick skulls. lol
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- Ken
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:58:58
Hi Bones, You say repression of political opponents as evidence of a dictator. Isn't that what Danny did? No cash for Liberals. Lots for PC's. I laugh at you. LOL.
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- Graham
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:58:38
Joy thank you for shareing that information with all of us. It too shows the real Danny Williams. Everything in there was MY MY MY not a single OUR Government.
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- Brenda M.
- - July 1st, 2010 at 19:58:16
Is there a party at Confederation Building in March to celebrate our ' have status '? Why is it the townies get to have a party.? Are we in rural Newfoundland not entitled. When will I get my invitation? br br Oh yes the money spent to televise the House of Assembly was a waste. There's nothing on that channel. I checked numerous times. Blank. Nothing happening I guess. br br Open govt. NOT really. Good editorial
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