VICTORIA, B.C.: The NDP thought shutting down the government directory would end the questions. Instead, it triggered an investigation by the Privacy Commissioner.
Last week’s decision to shut down public access to the B.C. Government Directory keeps government bureaucrats out of public view and makes it harder for taxpayers to hold government accountable. The NDP says it’s just about cybersecurity and privacy, but even B.C.’s Information and Privacy Commissioner isn’t buying that explanation.
The commissioner is launching an investigation into the decision, saying that “completely removing public access to the directory without a functional replacement is a very serious transparency issue, which contributes to an erosion in the public’s trust in our democratic institutions.”
“The NDP government has a track record of keeping British Columbians in the dark,” said Jody Toor, Shadow Minister for Government Services. “There are ways to protect privacy and security without shutting down public access altogether. This isn’t about privacy. It’s about making government less transparent and less accountable to the people it serves.”
“When B.C.’s Information and Privacy Commissioner launches an investigation, it is extremely serious. British Columbians deserve answers,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “The NDP government claimed this decision was necessary, but that explanation is now under scrutiny. If the government has nothing to hide, it should restore the directory and let British Columbians see who is making decisions on their behalf.”
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