Premier Doug Ford has made changes to Ontario’s Freedom of Information (FOI) system, exempting the Premier, his cabinet and their staff are from FOI laws. He has defended the decision as being in line with what is done in the federal government, however many critics have raised concerns as requests for information about hospital deficits, flu briefings and airport records have been rejected.
Zachary Spicer, associate professor in the School of Public Policy & Administration, says that while the FOI system can be cumbersome to administer, it serves an important purpose by allowing the public to see government activity and helps maintain public trust. He said that while the FOI process is important, it won’t capture everything, as politicians may alter or omit information from their written communications knowing they may be viewed. Â
Spicer holds a PhD in political science from the University of Western Ontario. His research interests include politics and government, public administration, local government, smart cities, data governance and innovation policy. 
Read the full story in .