Government's response (210 KB)

REGINA: The Saskatchewan government is invoking clauses in Freedom of Information legislation to stop the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) from accessing internal government documents regarding the potential economic impact of increasing the provincial sales tax (PST).

The government cites two sections of the Act that allow for non-disclosure if documents can be construed in any way as advice to cabinet.

"If the government knew before the budget - or knows today - how the PST hike will effect the people of Saskatchewan, it has a moral obligation to make this information public," says MacLean. "Refusing to share this information is disturbing."

CTF files complaints with Information and Privacy Commissioner
The CTF today will file two complaints with Information and Privacy Commissioner Gary Dickson. The first asks Mr. Dickson to review the government refusal to disclose internal documents relating to the impact of the PST hike. The second involves the government's refusal to disclose details relating to the $6 million expenditure to relocate Department of Learning offices. The CTF is also calling on Mr. Dickson to conduct a thorough review of the Act and make recommendations for changes.

"This government is a serial abuser of Freedom of Information legislation," said MacLean. "This is just the latest in a long string of obstruction maneuvers that include the "Our Future is Wide Open" campaign, and the $6 million spent on new offices for the Department of Learning."

"It is painfully clear that our Freedom Information legislation needs fixing," added MacLean. "This legislation does more to promote government secrecy than government transparency and accountability."