VANCOUVER, B.C.: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on all members of the legislative assembly to oppose Bill 9 and defeat it at the earliest opportunity. 

“Bill 9 is an attack on British Columbians’ most basic democratic rights,” said Carson Binda, B.C. Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “Any MLA, from any political party, who supports Bill 9 is endorsing an attack on transparency.” 

Bill 9 proposes amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It would make it easier for the government to delay and deny access to freedom of information requests.  

The government claims it needs the powers to crack down on the volume of FOI requests. 

However, the total number of FOI requests has substantially decreased in recent years from 8,300 requests in 2020-21, to 4,700 requests in 2024-25. 

“Taxpayers deserve more accountability, not less,” Binda said. “FOIPPA already allows the information commissioner to block frivolous or vexatious requests and the total number of requests are trending downwards.”  

More than 10,000 B.C. taxpayers signed a petition calling on the government to abandon Bill 9, which was delivered to the legislature by the CTF. 

Journalists and advocates have warned that Bill 9 weakens the public’s right to know. 

The NDP government has been meeting with MLAs from across the aisle in an attempt to build support for Bill 9, despite clear opposition from taxpayers.  

“Any MLA who allows Bill 9 to advance in the legislature will have to answer to taxpayers and constituents,” Binda said. “Taxpayers have been clear: Oppose Bill 9.”