Open Information
Open government is about giving people access to the information they need to participate and help us find solutions to the issues that affect us all. Government's Open Information site is an integral part of the commitment to be an open and accountable government.The proactive release of responses to General Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, made under Part 2 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP Act), for records held by Government; and, the routine release of records, such as Ministers’ and Deputy Ministers’ monthly travel expenses, are part of government’s Open Information initiative.
The purpose of the Open Information initiative is to provide 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. This shift promotes the engagement of British Columbians more directly with their government through improved access to data and the sharing of government information.
Open Information and DataBC fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and Open Government; however the initiative applies to all government ministries. Premier Christy Clark has issued clear direction to government to open data and information up to the public, including detailed actions that will make government more accessible to citizens. The Open Information and Open Data Policy also requires ministries to make certain information publicly available to citizens, and to consider making information that is of interest or helpful, available to the public on a routine basis.
Information Access Operations, Shared Services BC, is responsible for preparing information for posting on the Open Information website. In particular, Information Access Operations will regularly post the following:
- Responses to all General FOI requests for government information (subject to limited exemptions); and,
- Ministers' and Deputy Ministers' monthly travel expenses.
Government’s new strategy on proactive disclosure and routine release does not impact the rights that every individual has to request records under the FOIPP Act. 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 the FOIPP Act, and individual privacy rights continue to be protected.
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