Cookie Control

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.

We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site. If you're not happy with this, we won't set these cookies but some nice features of the site may be unavailable.

By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.

(One cookie will be set to store your preference)
(Ticking this sets a cookie to hide this popup if you then hit close. This will not store any personal information)

In B.C., Freedom of Information May Not Be Free

July 15, 2009

The old doctrine of "crown copyright" may be emerging in British Columbia as a way for a government claiming openness to subvert freedom-of-information law. When granting FOI requests, the BC government has been including warnings that the information is not to be disseminated without permission from the province's Intellectual Property Program.

Warnings of "crown copyright" violations have also been used at the federal level and by other provinces.

Canada's Freedom of Information and Privacy Association told The Tyee that the "crown copyright" claims are both intimidating and legally questionable.  

SEJ Publication Types: 
Topics on the Beat: 
Region: 
Visibility: