Proactive Disclosure and Routine Release
In an effort to engage citizens and become more open and transparent, the government is proactively working to provide citizens with access to the information that matters most to them. The proactive release of responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and the routine release of records such as Minister’s and Deputy Minister’s monthly travel expenses are part of government’s Open Information.
The purpose of the Open Information strategy is to supply information about government to the citizens of British Columbia in more accessible formats using modern technology. This initiative is a component of government’s broader strategy on modernizing and improving the delivery of services to its citizens through the provision of open information.
Governance of Open Information is the responsibility of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and Open Government. Information Access Operations (IAO), Shared Services BC, is responsible for Open Information service delivery, including preparing information for posting on the Open Information website.
IAO in particular, is responsible for managing content posted to the Open Information website including:
- Responses to all FOI requests for government information (subject to limited exemptions)
- Minister’s and Deputy Minister’s monthly travel expenses
Government’s new strategy on proactive disclosure and routine release does not impact the rights that every citizen has to request records under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). The goal of this initiative is to enhance the current FOI process by making requested records available to the broader public. Government’s routine release of records is supported by provisions in FOIPPA, and the privacy of individuals will be protected throughout the public disclosure process.
