Sep 28, 2007

The Manitoba Government and the cities of Brandon and Thompson have proclaimed September 28th to October 5th Right to Know Week. Manitobans join with other Canadians this week celebrating the right of access to information held by public sector bodies and the benefits of transparent, accessible government. Today is Right to Know Day in over 60 nations.

Mr. John Reid, Canada’s Information Commissioner from 1998 to 2006, will be helping to mark Right to Know Week in Winnipeg and Brandon. Mr. Reid will be speaking on the topic, “Twenty Years Later: The Increasing Importance of Access to Information Legislation”:

Thursday, October 4th 3:30 – 4:30
University of Winnipeg
Theatre B (Room 447), Manitoba Hall
(Ellice entrance; elevator to 4th floor)

Friday, October 5th 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Brandon City Hall, main floor
410 – 9th Street

Mr. Reid has long been a passionate advocate of the critical importance of access to information for a healthy democracy. He is a dynamic speaker known to candidly express his views on the openness of government. As Information Commissioner from 1998 to 2006, Mr. Reid was an independent ombudsman who considered complaints and compliance under the federal Access to Information Act. His distinguished public service has included 19 years as a Member of Parliament.

Also, there will be a public panel moderated by Tom Brodbeck of the Winnipeg Sun, “You Shouldn’t Have to Ask: When Access to Information Becomes Routine”:

Tuesday, October 2, 11:45 – 1:00
Portage Place Shopping Centre, Edmonton Court

These events are free of charge and seating is available. Co-sponsors of the events are Manitoba Ombudsman, the Canadian Association of Journalists (Manitoba), Canadian Taxpayers Federation (Manitoba), Manitoba Bar Association and Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Sun and Winnipeg Free Press.