Stop the Erosion of Freedom of Information and Government Oversight in Ontario
Patricia Kosseim-Information and Privacy Commissioner, Cathryn Motherwell-Integrity Commissioner, Shelley Spence-Auditor General, Barbara Finlay-Ombudsman,
We are writing as residents of Ontario with urgent concerns regarding recently enacted legislative changes by Doug Ford and his government that appear to weaken disclosure obligations and limit public access to information.
This is not a routine policy matter. It raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the integrity of Ontario’s democratic institutions.
We are particularly concerned by reports that these measures were advanced late in the evening, with limited public consultation and reduced transparency. The timing and manner of passage raise serious procedural concerns and undermine public confidence in the legislative process.
Efforts to alter or weaken frameworks such as the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act—particularly where they reduce government exposure to scrutiny—create a reasonable perception that accountability mechanisms are being weakened. That perception is itself damaging. If left unaddressed, it risks eroding public trust and weakening the democratic foundations of responsible government.
Petition by
To:
Patricia Kosseim-Information and Privacy Commissioner, Cathryn Motherwell-Integrity Commissioner, Shelley Spence-Auditor General, Barbara Finlay-Ombudsman,
From:
[Your Name]
We therefore call on your offices to act immediately to:
- Conduct a formal review of the legality, transparency, and accountability implications of these enacted changes
- Determine whether these measures are consistent with the principles of the rule of law and democratic accountability
- Where appropriate, publicly recommend corrective action, including legislative amendment or repeal
- Use all available statutory authority to investigate, report on, and challenge any provisions that undermine oversight or transparency
- Provide timely public reporting on your findings and recommended next steps
This situation requires more than monitoring. It requires clear findings, public accountability, and urgent institutional response. The seriousness of these changes demands visible action, not passive review. Failure to act risks being interpreted as acceptance of diminished transparency standards in Ontario.
Ontarians rely on the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario, and the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario to safeguard—not merely observe—core democratic principles.
We request confirmation of what immediate steps your offices are taking in response to these concerns.
This submission is made in good faith as a concern regarding public accountability and democratic transparency, and is intended for review by the appropriate oversight authorities.