EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on the Alberta government to scrap amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The CTF joins the three opposition parties and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner in its condemnation of sections of Bill 20 which will exclude cabinet briefing books from public access for five years.

"Haven't we learned anything from the federal Sponsorship scandal " asked CTF-Alberta director, Scott Hennig. "This amendment is a huge step backwards in the fight for more open and transparent government."

"It's sad that while our federal government is moving to make one level of government more transparent and accountable, our provincial government is moving to make another level of government less transparent and accountable," continued Hennig.

The CTF is recommending the government let Bill 20 die on the Order Paper when session ends, which is expected this week.