OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) applauded the new policy directive announced today by Treasury Board President Scott Brison which will see all access to information request fees beyond the initial $5 filing fee dropped, as well as the requirement for officials to release information in more user-friendly formats.

“For too long, Canadians requesting information about the government’s activities and expenditures have faced onerous fees and long delays,” said CTF Federal Director Aaron Wudrick. “These changes are a welcome step towards increasing government accountability by making government more transparent.”

Wudrick noted that further changes are still required, including many recommended by Information Commissioner Suzanne Legault in her March 2015 report.

“There is more work to do, but these are welcome substantive changes,” continued Wudrick. “We look forward to working with the government and other stakeholders towards further reform of access to information laws and policy.”