I recently read in your paper that a committee of the House of Assembly has decided on an exception for the Muskrat Inquiry from the Freedom of Information Act during its hearings and report preparation and delivery. I quote:
“The House of Assembly Management Commission has voted to recommend cabinet approve an exemption to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) for the Commission of Inquiry into the Muskrat Falls Project.”
I submit this is an inappropriate course to take on such an important inquiry. While it is obviously “allowed” under the law, beginning this very important inquiry this way seems to deny proper democratic process.
The House of Assembly should be called into session and each member should have the opportunity to comment and vote on this issue. Nothing short of full due process should be accepted. The people’s House should speak by full committee.
Brian Peckford
Nanaimo, B.C.
