The federal government's interference to hinder access to information continues to be illustrated in new ways. The latest example springs from a request by the Globe and Mail as to what the government paid to advertise its economic action plan on televised Olympic broadcasts. The apparently embarassing result was $5 million. However, this answer was withheld for three weeks despite the diligence of the reporter seeking information and the advice of bureaucrats who thought it should be released.

It's insightful to see how the information disclosed at first was not even what the reporter was looking for. Also available for view (now, at least) is email correspondence between ministerial aide Ryan Sparrow and bureaucrats responsible to release the information.

So, what sorts of things is the government doing to "stimulate" the economy? Well, the Heritage Department is giving Horse-Canada magazine $24,920 to support its editorial content. Evidently we need more opinion pieces on horses to spur our economy out of a trot and into a speeding gallop. Neigh or nay?