BC Liberal MLA: New FOI fee could hamper those seeking information during emergencies – Kamloops This Week

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart brought that concern to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board

Obtaining information about what happened in an emergency, such as a wildfire or flood, may not be easy to come by as it once was.

An area MLA told the Thompson-Nicola Regional district board at a recent meeting that people seeking information following emergencies are being directed to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act process.

However, as part of updates to that act, the provincial government has added a new fee to those filing requests for information. The fee is $10 per request, double that of a federal FOI inquiry, though some First Nations groups will be exempt from paying the fee, according to the provincial government.

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart of the BC Liberal Party said Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone has asked for proactive disclosure during emergencies and wildfires.

For citizens who are simply looking for information, this is a barrier and a very confusing process for them, Tegart said.

We were extremely disappointed that the government would not look at an amendment that would encourage people and allow them to get information that is public information.

Minister of Citizens' ServicesLisa Beare has said the reason the $10 fee was implemented was due to a large increase in the number of FOI requests being handled by government employees.

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BC Liberal MLA: New FOI fee could hamper those seeking information during emergencies - Kamloops This Week