Ontario plans to exempt top officials from FOI laws, citing security, sparking transparency concerns.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pushing to exempt the premier’s office, cabinet ministers, and political aides from Freedom of Information laws, citing national security and protection from foreign threats like China. The changes, set for introduction on March 23, aim to align Ontario with federal standards and safeguard sensitive government information. Critics, including the province’s privacy commissioner and opposition leaders, argue the move undermines transparency and accountability, calling it a pretext to avoid scrutiny over controversial decisions. While Ford claims the reforms are necessary and standard, concerns remain about reduced public oversight and trust in government.