What Do They Know? BCCLA Launches Access to Information Resource
by BCCLA
VANCOUVER - Today the BC Civil Liberties Association launched a resource to help people file requests for information from federal government agencies.The development of this resource was prompted by revelations late last year that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) illegally monitored and spied on the peaceful, democratic activities of community groups opposed to the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project.
The BCCLA filed complaints against the RCMP and CSIS about this unlawful monitoring. In response to our complaint, the RCMP Public Complaints Commission has launched a public interest investigation. CSIS has responded that they have not broken the law, and the BCCLA has asked the Security Intelligence Review Committee to investigate further.
The activities of the RCMP and CSIS originally came to light through an access to information request filed by journalist Matthew Millar of the Vancouver Observer.
“We have a right to know what information our government is collecting about us, especially when it affects our ability to engage in democratic activities,” said Raji Mangat, staff lawyer at the BCCLA.
“Free expression, assembly, and association are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. When governments gather information on people who are engaged in democratic participation, it can intimidate people and put a chill on their freedoms. That can’t be taken lightly. People need to know about it, and access to Information is an important, necessary tool in keeping government accountable.”
The BCCLA pointed out that the process to request information about oneself from government agencies can be time-consuming. The organization said that its educational resource will help people to navigate the system to find out whether their personal information is being compiled by federal agencies. Mangat added:
“We have received many requests from people to help them understand how to find out whether the government has got a file on them. We hope that this will help them to find that out.”
"The government’s muzzling of scientists and gutting of the environmental review process threaten our democracy. Spying on peaceful citizens is unconscionable," said Ben West, a Campaign Director at ForestEthics Advocacy.
"We are proud to support the BCCLA in empowering citizens to find out for themselves what the government is up to. We won’t let our democratic rights be collateral damage in the fight over pipelines and the future of our coast," said West.
The resource, available here, includes instructions for completing Access to Information requests to federal agencies and departments, and sample templates for requests to the National Energy Board, the RCMP, CSIS and Natural Resources Canada.
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For Immediate Release - Wednesday, April 23, 2014
For more information contact:
Ben West, ForestEthics Advocacy Tar Sands Campaign Director
Raji Mangat, BCCLA Counsel
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