https://seanholman.com/cropped-art-holman-header-jpg/2012-10-27T20:17:36Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/cropped-art-holman-header.jpgcropped-art-holman-header.jpghttps://seanholman.com/about/2013-10-19T17:52:03Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sean-holman1.jpgSean Holman(Photograph by DARSHAN STEVENS, Darshan Photography)https://seanholman.com/cropped-unknowable-country-jpg/2013-10-19T18:57:18Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/cropped-unknowable-country.jpgcropped-unknowable-country.jpghttps://seanholman.com/unknowable-country-left-jpg/2013-10-19T19:07:50Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/unknowable-country-left.jpgunknowable-country-left.jpghttps://seanholman.com/2013/10/28/the-unknowable-country/2013-10-20T20:40:23Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/suzanne-legault3.jpgSuzanne LegaultSuzanne Legault, the country's information commissioner, is demanding more openness from government. But how important is that openness to Canadians? (Photograph by Office of the Information Commissioner)https://seanholman.com/2013/10/29/political-system-a-point-of-pride-for-canadians/2013-10-29T13:17:16Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/americasbarometer-black-and-white.jpgAmericasBarometerCanadians think it's important to support our political system, according to a recent poll. (Graphic by Vanderbilt University)https://seanholman.com/2013/10/31/time-to-debate-the-rules-of-canadas-political-game/2013-10-31T21:41:33Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/cfax-1070.jpgCFAX 1070(Graphic by CFAX 1070)https://seanholman.com/2013/11/05/boosting-mp-power-not-a-big-vote-getter-for-tories/2013-11-04T16:41:21Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ipsos-black-and-white.jpgIpsos (black and white)Ipsos Reid poll suggests consumer protection may trump democratic reform. (Graphic by Ipsos)https://seanholman.com/2013/11/13/trudeau-not-alone-in-admiring-dictatorship/2013-11-11T17:00:34Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/justin-trudeau.jpgJustin TrudeauFederal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau's admiration for China's "basic dictatorship" has attracted controversy. But that admiration is also deserving of further scrutiny for what it says about us as a people. (Photograph by Liberal Party of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2013/11/21/dictator-not-a-bad-idea-say-some-younger-voters/2013-11-12T16:35:26Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/world-values-survey.pngWorld Values SurveyInternational poll finds surprising Canadian attitudes toward technocracies and dictatorships. (Graphic by World Values Survey)https://seanholman.com/2013/11/16/the-week-that-was-november-16-2013/2013-11-15T08:03:53Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/on-the-media.jpgOn The MediaNPR segment exposes the differences between American and Canadian journalism. (Graphic by On The Media)https://seanholman.com/2013/11/28/many-papers-still-spectators-in-access-to-info-fight/2013-11-26T13:42:06Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/david-mckie.jpgDavid McKieCBC News producer David McKie wants journalists to battle for more openness in government. (Photography by David McKie)https://seanholman.com/2013/11/28/many-papers-still-spectators-in-access-to-info-fight/2013-11-28T14:39:18Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pat-martin.pngPat MartinNDP MP Pat Martin is one of those publicly pushing for more freedom of information. How many journalists will join him? (Photograph by Pat Martin)https://seanholman.com/2013/11/23/the-week-that-was-november-23-2013/2013-11-28T14:49:47Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/democratic-audit-uk1.jpgDemocratic Audit UKIt's never too early to learn about democracy, argues freelance United Kingdom journalist Ellie Levenson. (Graphic by Democratic Audit UK)https://seanholman.com/2013/11/29/the-week-that-was-november-30-2013/2013-11-30T03:22:57Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/information-commissioners-office.jpgInformation Commissioner's OfficeThe United Kingdom's information commissioner wants young people to know about their right to know. (Graphic by Information Commissioner's Office)https://seanholman.com/2013/12/01/mps-to-whip-themselves-into-submission/2013-12-01T02:30:11Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/whipped.jpgWhipped: the secret world of party disciplineWill MPs vote to curtail the power of our political leaders? Don't bet on it. (Graphic by CLIFF HAMAN)https://seanholman.com/2013/12/01/public-eyes-archives-reopen/2013-12-01T20:16:37Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/public-eye.jpgPublic EyeGroundbreaking investigative political news service back online. (Graphic by VICTOR CRAPNELL)https://seanholman.com/2013/12/07/the-week-that-was-december-7-2013/2013-12-08T03:22:23Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/the-participatory-budgeting-project.jpgThe Participatory Budgeting ProjectIn the United States, citizens may soon have a bigger say in budget decisions. (Graphic by The Participatory Budgeting Project)https://seanholman.com/2013/12/09/reform-bill-may-do-little-to-lift-political-secrecy/2013-12-08T20:28:33Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/michael-chong.jpgMichael ChongWhat does Tory backbencher Michael Chong's bill actually do for the public? (Photograph by Parliament of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2013/12/14/the-week-that-was-december-14-2013/2013-12-14T15:11:00Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/independent-parliamentary-standards-authority.pngIndependent Parliamentary Standards AuthorityWhat would happen if MPs had to produce an annual report for their constituents? (Graphic by Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority)https://seanholman.com/2014/01/25/talking-about-secrecy-at-the-open-data-summit/2014-01-25T15:02:49Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/open-data-bc.pngOpen Data BCThe Canadian Open Data Summit will get underway in Vancouver next month, organized by Open Data BC. (Graphic by Open Data BC)https://seanholman.com/2014/01/25/the-week-that-was-january-25-2014/2014-01-25T19:51:01Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/boston-review.jpgBoston ReviewTransparency is the beginning of a solution for government's problems, not the end, argues researcher Andrew Mayersohn in the Boston Review. (Graphic by Boston Review)https://seanholman.com/2014/01/29/canadian-readers-flipping-past-political-news/2014-01-27T22:09:07Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/woman-shocked-reading-newspaper.jpgWoman shocked reading newspaperAn example of how most Canadians don't react to stories about public policy. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/02/should-papers-shame-readers-poor-news-diets/2014-01-29T13:55:47Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/usa-today.pngUSA TodayUSA Today reflects (!) on its audience's reading choices. (Graphic by USA Today)https://seanholman.com/2014/01/29/political-news-reading-habits-under-scrutiny/2014-01-30T04:05:51Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/the-simi-sara-show.jpgThe Simi Sara ShowComing on the Big Dog of Vancouver radio... (Graphic by CKNW)https://seanholman.com/2014/01/31/listing-lists-of-the-most-read-online-stories/2014-01-31T17:26:46Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/newspaper-headlines-shown-side-on-in-a-stack-of-daily-newspapers.jpgNewspaper headlines shown side on in a stack of daily newspapersExtra! Extra! Read all about what isn't being read about online. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/01/the-week-that-was-february-1-2014/2014-02-01T23:35:47Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/democratic-decline-and-democratic-renewal.jpgDemocratic Decline and Democratic RenewalDoes this book hold the solution to Canada's political problems? (Graphic by Cambridge University Press)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/01/the-week-that-was-february-1-2014/2014-02-02T00:00:53Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/parliamentary-candidates-uk.jpgParliamentary Candidates UKHow representative of us are our elected representatives? A new study will help answer that question in the United Kingdom. (Graphic by University College of London)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/10/are-canadian-reporters-in-fear-of-losing-favour/2014-02-06T16:20:54Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/intense-fear2.jpgIntense fearJust another day at the office for Canada's journalists? (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/07/secret-world-of-politics-exposed-on-dvd/2014-02-07T21:17:11Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/whipped-dvd-cover1.jpgWhipped DVD coverYou can now enjoy Whipped on DVD! (Graphic by VICTOR CRAPNELL, Art Department Design)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/08/the-week-that-was-february-8-2014/2014-02-08T19:03:56Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/postmedia-network.pngPostmedia NetworkThe aptly-named Postmedia Network Inc. -- going where few news media organizations have previously dared to go! (Graphic by Postmedia Network)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/15/the-week-that-was-february-15-2014/2014-02-16T01:43:31Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/brown-gavel-on-the-table-on-a-brown-background.jpgBrown gavel on the table on a brown backgroundAre journalists increasingly laying down for the law? (Photography by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/19/press-freedom-data-kept-secret/2014-02-18T23:00:07Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/reporters-without-borders.jpgReporters Without BordersReporters Without Borders have put a fence around the data underpinning its Press Freedom Index. (Graphic by Reporters Without Borders)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/19/hidden-tracks-on-bc-governments-b-sides/2014-02-19T14:58:10Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/bc-b-sides1.pngBC B-SidesGovernment pin doctors in journalist's clothing -- your taxpayer dollars hard at work! (Graphic by Government of British Columbia)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/22/bar-association-hosts-talk-on-access-limits/2014-02-23T01:28:51Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/canadian-bar-association-alberta-branch.jpgCanadian Bar Association Alberta BranchI'll be trying to make the unknowable country a little more known on Monday. (Graphic by Canadian Bar Association Alberta Branch)https://seanholman.com/2014/02/25/open-data-in-the-unknowable-country/2014-02-25T15:00:19Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/sean-holman-speaks-at-the-open-data-summit.jpgSean Holman speaks at the Open Data SummitMapping the borders of the unknowable country at the Open Data Summit in Vancouver. (Photography by OpenDataBC)https://seanholman.com/2014/03/01/the-week-that-was-march-1-2014/2014-03-01T16:23:57Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/riot-police-officers-protecting-the-perimeter-of-the-main-event-during-the-g20-protest.jpgRiot police officers protecting the perimeter of the main event during the G20 ProtestPolice shield themselves from the public's right to know in Canada. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/03/08/the-week-that-was-march-8-2014/2014-03-08T23:22:03Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/loading-of-iron-ore.jpgLoading of iron oreIf the federal government has it's way, Canadians won't be getting a dump truck load of information about what mining companies are up to abroad. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/03/15/the-week-that-was-march-15-2014/2014-03-15T23:14:39Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/kill-with-poison.jpgKill with poisonAre "overzealous PR practices" poisoning democracy? (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/100-dollars-canadian-bank-notes-in-polymer/2014-03-16T00:14:44Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/100-dollars-canadian-bank-notes-in-polymer.jpg100 dollars Canadian bank notes in polymerThe B.C. government has paid millions to broadcast it's television commercials. But it wants to charge thousands to access copies of them. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/03/22/the-week-that-was-march-22-2014/2014-03-22T19:01:40Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/insubordinate-man-with-zipped-mouth.jpgInsubordinate man with zipped mouthGovernment is zipping the lips of non-partisan sources of information. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/03/29/the-week-that-was-march-29-2014-2/2014-03-29T22:43:36Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/on-the-job-training1.jpgOn the job trainingWho is calling the shots in today's newsrooms. A Quebec survey has some answers. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/04/12/the-week-that-was-april-12-2014/2014-04-12T21:51:56Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/jim-flaherty.jpgJim FlahertyIn death, former federal finance minister Jim Flaherty may have become better known to Canadians than he was in life. (Photograph by Jason Ransom, Office of the Prime Minister)https://seanholman.com/2014/04/21/the-week-that-was-april-19-2014/2014-04-20T14:07:28Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/paperwork-in-a-filing-cabinet.jpgPaperwork in a filing cabinetA new study will show whether Canada's government are violating or upholding your right to access their records. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/05/04/the-week-that-was-may-3-2014/2014-05-04T16:48:08Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/see-no-evil-hear-no-evil-speak-no-evil.jpgSee no Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no EvilSome Canadians speak no evil about the Conservative Party of Canada's broken promises to strengthen access to information. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/05/09/whats-ailing-our-access-to-information/2014-05-09T15:24:23Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/canadian-association-of-journalists.jpgCanadian Association of JournalistsThe lack of freedom of information in Canada is just one of many topics that will be discussed at the Canadian Association of Journalists annual convention. (Graphic by Canadian Association of Journalists)https://seanholman.com/2014/05/12/the-week-that-was-may-10-2014/2014-05-12T19:47:46Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/united-states-of-america-flag.jpgUnited States of America flagAmericans and the citizens of 30 other countries have better access to government information than Canadians do, according to a new study. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/05/18/a-vote-against-mandatory-voting/2014-05-18T21:10:06Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/closeup-of-crowd-raising-hands.jpgCloseup of crowd raising handsMandatory voting might make our democracy look better on paper. But it might not make our democracy better in practice. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/05/18/a-vote-against-mandatory-voting/2014-05-18T21:37:55Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/transparent-lives.jpgTransparent Lives: Surveillance in CanadaA new book surveys Canada's surveillance systems. (Graphic by Athabasca University Press)https://seanholman.com/2014/05/18/a-vote-against-mandatory-voting/2014-05-18T21:58:02Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dan-murphy.jpgDan MurphyCartoonist Dan Murphy was among those who took part in J-Fest. (Image by Dan Murphy)https://seanholman.com/2014/05/25/parliamentary-spectacle-draws-a-crowd/2014-05-25T00:45:38Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/may-the-best-man-win.jpgMay the best man winVoters are engaged by a good political fight, according to new research. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/05/27/lack-of-funding-derails-vital-values-survey/2014-05-27T12:05:37Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/crowd-of-anonymous-people.jpgCrowd of anonymous peopleHow do the values of all these people compare to those in other countries? Without the World Values Survey, we might not know. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/05/27/lack-of-funding-derails-vital-values-survey/2014-05-27T02:37:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/richard-johnston.jpgRichard JohnstonUniversity of British Columbia polhttps://seanholman.com/2014/06/01/data-on-canadian-values-not-a-priority-for-feds/2014-05-31T23:36:16Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/unnamed.jpgUnnamedDoes the federal government care if it doesn't know what Canadian values are? (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/06/08/privacy-post-appointees-no-stranger-to-scandal/2014-06-09T01:52:20Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/padlock-and-keyhole-in-a-printed-circuit.jpgPadlock and keyhole in a printed circuitDaniel Therrien now guards the locks on Canadians' private information. But he's not the first to have been put in that position under a cloud of scandal. (Graphic by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/06/29/trudeau-reaps-what-his-father-sowed/2014-06-29T14:19:48Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/justin-trudeau.jpgJustin TrudeauLiberal leader Justin Trudeau is looking toward giving Canadians more access to government information. (Photograph by MATT HEALY, Matt Healy Photography)https://seanholman.com/2014/07/13/journalists-pushback-against-pr-tactics/2014-07-12T21:14:30Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/man-with-mouth-covered-by-masking-tape.jpgMan with mouth covered by masking tapeAn average Canadian bureaucrat's response to questions from the news media. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/07/27/old-news-is-still-news-at-postmedia/2014-07-26T19:06:27Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/not-tonight-i-feel-gross.jpgNot tonight, 'I feel gross'The Calgary Herald brings readers last Friday's news on a Wednesday (Graphic by the Calgary Herald)https://seanholman.com/2014/08/17/does-harper-really-want-tips-for-less-secrecy/2014-08-17T22:29:57Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/man-woman-and-a-monkey-depicting-see-no-evil-speak-no-evil-hear-no-evil.jpgMan, woman and a monkey depicting See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No EvilOne possible response to Canadians' open government recommendations. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/09/03/tory-donor-pitch-may-risk-press-freedom-rank/2014-09-03T20:49:53Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/portrait-of-a-cheerleader-in-action.jpgPortrait of a cheerleader in actionPortrait of what the Conservatives wish Canada's media looked like. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/09/03/tory-donor-pitch-may-risk-press-freedom-rank/2014-09-03T21:48:14Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/big-money-bag.jpgBig money bagWhat price will Canada pay so the Conservatives can fill their coffers? (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/09/08/british-columbians-kept-in-the-dark-on-mine-safety/2014-09-09T14:45:34Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mount-polley.jpgMount PolleyThe Mount Polley Mine is just one example of an operation British Columbians are being kept in the dark about. (Photograph by Imperial Metals Corp.)https://seanholman.com/2014/09/07/should-reporters-do-more-to-shame-secret-keepers/2014-09-07T22:06:36Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/old-wooden-stocks.jpgOld wooden stocksOne possible punishment for public bodies that violate Canadians' right to know. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/09/08/british-columbians-kept-in-the-dark-on-mine-safety/2014-09-08T13:45:40Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tailings-pond.jpgTailings pondThe public have enough information to prevent disasters like this one -- the Mount Polley Mine tailings pond collapse -- from happening in the future. (Photograph by Cariboo Regional District)https://seanholman.com/2014/09/14/open-government-for-all/2014-09-14T21:28:42Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/black-muzzle.jpgBlack muzzleWill this soon be standard issue equipment for civil servants when reporters are present? (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/09/21/bc-lets-mine-safety-violators-off-lightly/2014-09-21T00:20:24Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/spencer-chandra-herbert.jpgSpencer Chandra HerbertBC NDP environment critic Spencer Chandra Herbert has said, ""The government should have to explain why the mining industry should not face fines when they break the law or break the rules under the Mines Act." (Photograph by Spencer Chandra Herbert)https://seanholman.com/2014/09/22/learn-more-about-your-right-to-know/2014-09-21T00:55:32Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/foi-workshop.jpgFOI workshopFind out about the joys and frustrations of freedom of information. (Graphic by Jason Congdon)https://seanholman.com/2014/09/26/spotlight-government-secrecy-with-cdnfoi/2014-09-25T21:36:38Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cdnfoi-english1.jpg#CDNFOI ENGLISH1https://seanholman.com/cdnfoi/2014-09-25T22:09:28Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cdnfoi-english2.jpg#CDNFOI ENGLISH2#cdnfoi wasn't the only hashtag under consideration. (Graphic by Will Brown)https://seanholman.com/cdnfoi/2014-09-25T21:35:55Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cdnfoi-english3.jpg#CDNFOI ENGLISH3https://seanholman.com/cdnfoi/2014-09-25T21:36:34Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cdnfoi-english12.jpg#CDNFOI ENGLISH1https://seanholman.com/cdnfoi/2014-09-25T21:40:12Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cdnfoi-french1.jpg#CDNFOI FRENCH1https://seanholman.com/cdnfoi/2014-09-25T21:40:52Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cdnfoi-french2.jpg#CDNFOI FRENCH2https://seanholman.com/2014/09/28/foi-tips-from-vancouver-press-club-workshop/2014-09-28T17:13:36Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/vancouver-press-club-foi-workshop.jpgVancouver Press Club FOI WorkshopThis is what commitment to freedom of information looks like on a Friday evening. (Photograph by Jennifer Moreau)https://seanholman.com/2014/10/06/campaign-increases-cdnfoi-use-by-almost-13-times/2014-10-06T12:41:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/hashtrack-cdnfoi.jpegHashtrack #cdnfoi#cdnfoi usage between September 5 and October 5 (Graphic by Hashtrack)https://seanholman.com/2014/10/07/sun-sale-darkens-future-of-canadian-journalism/2014-10-07T12:20:03Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sun-media.pngSun MediaThe potential sale of Sun Media's English-language newspapers will be a big blow to media competition and quality. (Graphic by Quebecor Media Inc.)https://seanholman.com/2014/10/13/scientists-arent-the-only-ones-silenced/2014-10-12T16:58:07Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/overview-of-two-scientists-working-together.jpgOverview of two scientists working togetherScientists aren't the only ones being muzzled by the government. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/10/17/debating-canadas-do-not-disturb-sign/2014-10-17T12:51:12Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/national-privacy-and-data-congress.jpgNational Privacy and Data CongressShould our right to be unknown trump our right to know? (Graphic by Privacy and Access Council of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2014/10/26/extra-extra-foi-watchdogs-dont-make-headlines/2014-10-25T18:45:26Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/headline-news.jpgHeadline newsThe title information commissioner doesn't make many headlines. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/11/02/government-watches-the-watchmen/2014-11-02T20:59:53Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/anonymous-male-on-a-laptop-at-night.jpgAnonymous male on a laptop at nightThe federal government wants to know who wants its records. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/11/09/secrets-remain-under-open-government-plan/2014-11-08T23:00:25Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/lustrous-wooden-cabinet-with-secrets-file-label-in-dramatic-light.jpgLustrous Wooden Cabinet with Secrets File Label in Dramatic LightAn example of a typical government filing cabinet under the Tory's second open government plan. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/11/16/secrecy-scores-election-win/2014-11-16T19:24:31Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/gregor-robertson.jpgGregor RobertsonVancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson wants you to ask him anything. But getting answers has proved difficult. (Photograph by Gregor Robertson)https://seanholman.com/2014/11/19/smaller-media-treated-like-second-class-reporters/2014-11-19T14:06:14Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/all-media-request-are-not-equal.jpgAll media request are not equalThe department of citizenship and immigration's draft guide for its spokespeople is interesting reading for frustrated journalists.https://seanholman.com/2014/11/23/tories-fight-to-keep-government-curtains-closed/2014-11-23T22:05:16Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/transaprency-act.jpgTransaprency ActTories want to keep the curtain drawn on government, giving a thumbs down to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau's Transparency Act (Graphic by Liberal Party of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2014/11/30/sunshine-list-wont-illuminate-everyone/2014-12-01T03:48:07Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/sunset-burning-down.jpgSunset Burning DownThe sunlight of disclosure won't shine on everyone who works for the City of Saint John's. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2014/12/07/tory-mps-propose-higher-watchdog-tax/2014-12-08T00:47:34Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/erin-otoole1.jpgErin O'TooleMP Erin O'Toole led a Conservative charge to increase the application fee for access to information requests. (Photograph by Erin O'Toole)https://seanholman.com/2014/12/15/rookies-pitch-for-access-goes-wild/2014-12-15T04:57:29Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/lloydminster-source.jpgLloydminster SourceThis letter from Liberal MP Scott Simms appeared again and again and again... (Graphic by Lloydminster Source)https://seanholman.com/2015/01/11/foi-advocates-given-a-lump-of-coal/2015-01-12T03:20:17Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/papers-with-chains.jpgNewspapers with chainsFreedom of information advocates didn't get many presents from Canada's governments over the holiday season. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/01/14/government-tight-lipped-about-your-right-to-know/2015-01-14T13:23:10Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/paper-documents-stacked-in-archive.jpgPaper documents stacked in archiveYou have a limited right to look through records like this. But the federal government has done little to help Canadians exercise those rights. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/01/18/too-small-to-be-accountable/2015-01-19T03:04:59Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/larger-than-life.jpgLarger Than LifeThe Yukon may be "Larger Than Life" but is it too small for a lobbyist registry? (Photograph by Yukon Tourism)https://seanholman.com/2015/01/26/are-the-liberals-fooling-everyone-again/2015-01-26T15:26:29Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/playing-card-trick.jpgPlaying card trickThe Liberals are promising more freedom of information but is it just another political card trick? (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/02/02/harper-and-obama-propaganda-equally-unpopular/2015-02-02T01:06:50Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/24-seven.jpg24 SevenGovernment cameras follow Prime Minister Stephen Harper everywhere but who is actually watching? (Photograph by Government of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2015/02/09/anti-terror-law-and-ministers-exit-get-equal-billing/2015-02-08T21:04:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/canadian-security-intelligence-service.jpgCanadian Security Intelligence ServiceConservative cabinet minister John Baird's resignation got more coverage than a bill that could potentially turn Canada's spies into "secret police." (Graphic by Government of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2015/02/17/bill-coverage-gives-false-hope-for-democracy/2015-02-16T00:48:42Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ted-hsu.jpgTed HsuLiberal MP Ted Hsu's bill to reinstate the mandatory long-form census had no real chance of passing. Too bad not every news outlet let their audience know that. (Photograph by Ted Hsu)https://seanholman.com/2015/02/23/the-tyranny-of-the-talking-point/2015-02-23T13:16:48Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/paper-chain-figures.jpgPaper chain figuresGovernment spin doctors control what information government does and doesn't release. (Graphic by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/03/02/when-journalists-get-mad/2015-03-02T00:27:10Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/im-mad-as-hell.jpgI'm mad as HellAre Canadian journalists having a Howard Beale moment? (Photograph by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)https://seanholman.com/2015/03/09/blunt-talk-on-public-officials-using-private-email/2015-03-09T16:37:03Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/confidential-mail.jpgConfidential mailShould the public really be able to look inside this metaphorical envelope? (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/03/16/bc-ndp-access-reform-effort-takes-place-off-camera/2015-03-16T15:12:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/british-columbia-press-gallery.jpgBritish Columbia press galleryGuess what these reporters weren't asking about last week (Photograph by Damien Gillis)https://seanholman.com/2015/03/23/private-interests-seek-public-records/2015-03-23T16:11:20Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/man-filing-paper-work.jpgMan filing paper workGuess who is filing more access requests than the media. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/03/30/come-see-the-dictatorship-inherent-in-the-system/2015-03-29T16:14:40Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/come-and-see-the-violence-inherent-in-the-system1.jpgCome and see the violence inherent in the systemHelp! Help! We're being repressed! (Photograph by Python (Monty) Pictures)https://seanholman.com/2015/04/06/striking-the-right-balance/2015-04-06T15:00:56Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/striking-the-right-balance.jpgStriking the Right BalanceShould this report's title have a question mark after it? (Graphic by Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2015/04/13/government-paper-trail-goes-cold/2015-04-13T13:53:55Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sherlock-holmes-silhouette.jpgSherlock Holmes silhouetteEven a detective can't find records that don't exist (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/04/20/access-watchdog-makes-vexatious-request/2015-04-20T16:56:07Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/access-denied.jpgAccess DeniedHas the commissioner accidentally handed the government another potential weapon in its fight against openness? (Graphic by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/04/27/poll-claims-secrecy-a-ballot-box-issue/2015-04-27T17:00:25Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/canadian-citizens-gather-to-protest-pm-harpers-decision-to-prorogue-parliament.jpgCanadian citizens gather to protest PM Harper's decision to prorogue ParliamentHow many of these Canadians actually care about government transparency (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/05/04/transparency-issue-little-seen-on-campaign-trail/2015-05-04T15:06:23Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/alberta-legislatute-building.jpgAlberta legislatute buildingThe fight to win power in this building didn't include many blows over freedom of information. (Photograph by Timorose)https://seanholman.com/2015/05/11/b-c-government-tries-to-spin-its-own-spin/2015-05-11T01:33:47Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/advice-to-minister3.jpgAdvice to MinisterIs the advice government communications staff provide serve the public interest or a political interest? (Graphic by Government of British Columbia)https://seanholman.com/2015/05/19/could-journalists-united-defeat-government-pr/2015-05-18T18:54:41Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/labour-movement.jpgLabour movementWhat will it take to break the control of public relations over government information? (Graphic by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/05/25/harper-tries-to-tamper-with-the-past/2015-05-25T12:08:31Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/back-to-the-future.jpgBack to the FutureThe BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association takes a satirical shot at the Harper government. (Graphic by BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association)https://seanholman.com/2015/06/02/a-transitory-problem/2015-06-02T22:53:25Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/pile-of-documents-stack-up-high-waiting-to-be-managed.jpgPile of documents stack up high waiting to be managedHow many of these government will be saved and how many will be deleted? (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/06/02/a-transitory-problem/2015-06-02T22:56:39Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/multiple-rows-of-filing-cabinets-in-an-office.jpgMultiple rows of filing cabinets in an officeHow many of these files will be saved and how many will be deleted? (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/09/07/pay-per-viewing-government-records/2015-09-07T17:29:54Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/review-of-the-right-to-information-and-protection-of-privacy.jpgReview of the Right to Information and Protection of PrivacyThe New Brunswick government's records access law recommendations will do little to help information seekers in that province. (Graphic by Province of New Brunswick)https://seanholman.com/2015/09/14/the-race-toward-transparency/2015-09-13T22:53:10Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/marathon-runner.jpgMarathon runnerWhich federal political party is ahead in the race for open government?https://seanholman.com/2015/09/21/censors-black-out-more-using-white-out/2015-09-21T19:59:23Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/censored-word-on-computer-keyboard.jpgCensored word on computer keyboardDoes blanking out information hide more than blacking it out? (Image by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/09/28/the-most-unwanted-right-in-alberta/2015-09-28T11:31:05Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/alberta-legislature-building.jpgAlberta Legislature BuildingDo Albertans really care if they don't know what the politicians in this building are doing? (Photograph by WinterforceMedia)https://seanholman.com/2015/10/05/few-celebrate-alberta-access-law-anniversary/2015-10-05T15:21:01Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/20-years-anniversary-stamp.jpg20 years anniversary stampReporters were among those who failed to observe 20 years of freedom of information in Alberta. (Graphic by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2015/10/13/late-ndp-anti-secrecy-promises-leave-questions/2015-10-12T19:08:16Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ready-for-ch.jpgReady for chThe cover of the NDP's campaign platform promises that party leader Tom Mulcair is "Ready for Ch" But what kind of "Ch" will the Mulcair make to the country's records access law? (Photograph by NDP)https://seanholman.com/2015/10/19/the-week-canadian-journalism-was-betrayed/2015-10-19T13:37:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/national-post-stephen-harper-cover.jpgNational Post Stephen Harper coverThe National Post's front page endorsement of Conservatives Leader Stephen Harper could have troubling consequences for its employees, as well as its bottom line. (Graphic by National Post)https://seanholman.com/2015/11/02/the-high-price-of-secrecy/2015-11-01T18:36:05Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/canadian-bank-notes.jpgCanadian bank notesBritish Columbians are spending millions to make sure they can't find out what their elected officials are doing.https://seanholman.com/it-is-the-publics-business/2015-11-05T17:02:17Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/it-is-the-publics-business.jpgIt is the public's businesshttps://seanholman.com/barry-mather/2015-11-05T17:02:33Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/barry-mather.jpgBarry Matherhttps://seanholman.com/bill-c-39/2015-11-05T17:06:43Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/bill-c-39.jpegBill C-39https://seanholman.com/bill-s-1160/2015-11-05T17:14:12Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/bill-s-1160.jpgBill S. 1160https://seanholman.com/statement-by-the-president-upon-signing-s-1160/2015-11-05T19:39:53Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/statement-by-the-president-upon-signing-s-1160.jpgStatement by the President upon signing S. 1160https://seanholman.com/john-turner/2015-11-05T20:03:56Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/john-turner.jpgJohn Turnerhttps://seanholman.com/ottawa-just-isnt-getting-through-to-millions-of-us/2015-11-05T22:29:50Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ottawa-just-isnt-getting-through-to-millions-of-us.jpgOttawa just isn't getting through to millions of ushttps://seanholman.com/wiretap-and-bail/2015-11-05T22:46:14Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/wiretap-and-bail.jpgWiretap and bailhttps://seanholman.com/minister-with-a-philosophy/2015-11-06T12:28:17Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/minister-with-a-philosophy1.jpgMinister with a philosophyhttps://seanholman.com/government-administration/2015-11-06T15:47:45Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/government-administration.jpgGovernment administrationhttps://seanholman.com/bill-c-6/2015-11-06T17:05:56Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/bill-c-6.jpgBill C-6https://seanholman.com/lester-b-pearson/2015-11-07T18:00:39Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/lester-b-pearson.jpgLester B. Pearsonhttps://seanholman.com/pierre-trudeau-1975/2015-11-07T18:04:56Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/pierre-trudeau.jpgPierre Trudeau (1975)Hare Majesteit ontvangt premier Trudeau op Paleis Soestdijk *27 februari 1975https://seanholman.com/2015/11/10/the-first-temptation-of-trudeau/2015-11-10T14:48:08Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/real-change.jpgReal changePrime Minister Justin Trudeau is promising a "fair and open government." But that openness could a lot like what a NDP MP proposed half-a-century ago. (Graphic by Liberal Party of Canada)https://seanholman.com/release-to-archives-of-records-in-existence-after-30-years/2015-11-11T14:30:34Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/release-to-archives-of-records-in-existence-after-30-years1.jpegRelease to archives of records in existence after 30 yearshttps://seanholman.com/report-of-the-royal-commission-on-security/2015-11-11T15:26:30Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/report-of-the-royal-commission-on-security.jpgReport of the Royal Commission on Securityhttps://seanholman.com/allan-maceachen/2015-11-26T13:35:11Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/allan-maceachen.jpgAllan MacEachenhttps://seanholman.com/how-much-administrative-secrecy/2015-11-26T14:06:35Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/how-much-administrative-secrecy.gifHow Much Administrative Secrecy?https://seanholman.com/the-league-to-restore-parliamentary-control/2015-11-26T15:14:26Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/the-league-to-restore-parliamentary-control.jpgThe League to Restore Parliamentary Controlhttps://seanholman.com/ged-baldwin/2015-11-26T15:37:42Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ged-baldwin.jpgGed Baldwinhttps://seanholman.com/administrative-secrecy-and-ministerial-responsibility/2015-11-26T16:31:12Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/administrative-secrecy-and-ministerial-responsibility.gifAdministrative Secrecy and Ministerial Responsibilityhttps://seanholman.com/professor-urges-end-to-secrecy-in-government/2015-11-26T21:15:09Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/professor-urges-end-to-secrecy-in-government.jpgProfessor urges end to secrecy in governmenthttps://seanholman.com/secrecy-when-possible/2015-11-26T22:02:03Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/secrecy-when-possible1.jpgSecrecy when possiblehttps://seanholman.com/secrets-it-seems-are-much-too-secret-in-canada/2015-11-26T22:08:47Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/secrets-it-seems-are-much-too-secret-in-canada1.jpgSecrets, it seems, are much too secret in Canadahttps://seanholman.com/the-publics/2015-11-26T22:21:14Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/the-publics.jpgThe public'shttps://seanholman.com/inger-hansen/2015-11-29T00:50:11Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/inger-hansen.jpgInger Hansenhttps://seanholman.com/the-publics-right-to-information-access-in-the-federal-government/2015-11-29T14:39:20Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/the-publics-right-to-information-access-in-the-federal-government.jpgThe public's right to information access in the federal governmenthttps://seanholman.com/commission-and-order-in-council/2015-11-29T14:44:45Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/commission-and-order-in-council.jpgCommission and order in councilhttps://seanholman.com/access-questionnaire/2015-11-29T14:59:07Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/access-questionnaire.jpgACCESS questionnairehttps://seanholman.com/transfer-of-records-to-the-public-archives/2015-11-29T15:27:21Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/transfer-of-records-to-the-public-archives.jpgTransfer of records to the public archiveshttps://seanholman.com/accesss-letter-to-the-then-president-of-the-privy-council/2015-11-29T15:37:16Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/accesss-letter-to-the-then-president-of-the-privy-council.jpgACCESS's letter to the then president of the privy councilhttps://seanholman.com/possible-introduction-of-legislation-on-freedom-of-information-and-appearance-of-president-of-privcy-council-before-committees/2015-11-29T16:16:34Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/possible-introduction-of-legislation-on-freedom-of-information-and-appearance-of-president-of-privcy-council-before-committees.jpgPossible introduction of legislation on freedom of information and appearance of president of privcy council before committeeshttps://seanholman.com/legislation-on-public-access-to-government-documents/2015-11-29T16:54:27Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/legislation-on-public-access-to-government-documents.jpgLegislation on public access to government documentshttps://seanholman.com/2015/11/29/heading-into-the-stacks/2015-11-29T19:48:24Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/old-books.jpgOld bookshttps://seanholman.com/gordon-robertson/2015-11-30T11:54:10Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/gordon-robertson.jpgGordon Robertsonhttps://seanholman.com/gordon-fairweather/2015-11-30T12:13:32Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/gordon-fairweather.jpgGordon Fairweatherhttps://seanholman.com/donald-macdonald/2015-11-30T12:19:06Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/donald-macdonald.jpgDonald MacDonaldhttps://seanholman.com/to-know-and-be-known/2015-12-01T19:26:42Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/to-know-and-be-known.jpgTo know and be knownhttps://seanholman.com/right-to-information-act/2015-12-06T16:45:50Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/right-to-information-act.jpgRight to Information Acthttps://seanholman.com/tabling-of-government-guidelines-for-notices-of-motions-for-the-production-of-papers/2015-12-06T16:57:57Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tabling-of-government-guidelines-for-notices-of-motions-for-the-production-of-papers.jpgTabling of government guidelines for notices of motions for the production of papershttps://seanholman.com/u-s-puts-teeth-in-its-freedom-of-information-act/2015-12-07T14:01:52Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/u-s-puts-teeth-in-its-freedom-of-information-act.jpgU.S. puts teeth in its Freedom of Information Acthttps://seanholman.com/right-to-know-is-creating-new-u-s-bureaucracy/2015-12-08T18:56:49Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/right-to-know-is-creating-new-u-s-bureaucracy.jpgRight to know is creating new U.S. bureaucracyhttps://seanholman.com/canadian-applications-on-access-to-information/2015-12-18T15:24:53Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/canadian-applications-on-access-to-information.jpgCanadian Applications on Access to Informationhttps://seanholman.com/eugene-whelan/2015-12-19T00:13:35Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eugene-whelan.jpgEugene Whelanhttps://seanholman.com/statement-by-the-honourable-mark-macguigan-announcing-the-proclamation-of-the-access-to-information-and-privacy-acts/2015-12-19T01:37:17Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/statement-by-the-honourable-mark-macguigan-announcing-the-proclamation-of-the-access-to-information-and-privacy-acts.jpgStatement by the Honourable Mark MacGuigan announcing the proclamation of the Access to Information and Privacy Actshttps://seanholman.com/information-please/2015-12-19T01:43:45Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/information-please.jpgInformation, pleasehttps://seanholman.com/baldwin-offers-bill-to-ensure-access-to-data/2016-01-10T15:38:44Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/baldwin-offers-bill-to-ensure-access-to-data.jpgBaldwin offers bill to ensure access to datahttps://seanholman.com/the-right-to-privacy-in-a-computronic-age/2016-01-10T15:42:02Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/the-right-to-privacy-in-a-computronic-age.jpgThe right to privacy in a computronic agehttps://seanholman.com/the-right-to-privacy-in-a-computronic-age-2/2016-01-10T15:44:47Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/the-right-to-privacy-in-a-computronic-age1.jpgThe right to privacy in a computronic agehttps://seanholman.com/anthony-westell-appreciation-letter/2016-01-10T17:15:48Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/anthony-westell-appreciation-letter.jpgAnthony Westell appreciation letterhttps://seanholman.com/parliamentary-press-gallery-questionnaire/2016-01-10T17:24:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/parliamentary-press-gallery-questionnaire.jpgParliamentary Press Gallery questionnairehttps://seanholman.com/parliamentary-press-gallery-meeting/2016-01-10T17:29:42Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/parliamentary-press-gallery-meeting.jpgParliamentary Press Gallery meetinghttps://seanholman.com/press-gallery-brief-on-freedom-of-information/2016-01-10T18:14:08Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/press-gallery-brief-on-freedom-of-information.jpgPress gallery brief on freedom of informationhttps://seanholman.com/and-apathy-in-ottawa-press-gallery/2016-01-10T18:30:17Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/and-apathy-in-ottawa-press-gallery.jpgand apathy in Ottawa press galleryhttps://seanholman.com/november-22-1977-parliament-press-gallery-executive-meeting/2016-01-10T18:39:07Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/november-22-1977-parliament-press-gallery-executive-meeting.jpgNovember 22, 1977 Parliament Press Gallery executive meetinghttps://seanholman.com/march-1-1978-parliament-press-gallery-special-general-meeting/2016-01-10T18:57:02Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/march-1-1978-parliament-press-gallery-special-general-meeting.jpgMarch 1, 1978 Parliament Press Gallery special general meetinghttps://seanholman.com/theres-too-much-government-secrecy/2016-01-10T19:00:06Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/theres-too-much-government-secrecy.jpgThere's too much government secrecyhttps://seanholman.com/secret-government-could-harm-country-if-trudeau-tries-it/2016-01-10T19:28:02Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/secret-government-could-harm-country-if-trudeau-tries-it.jpgSecret government could harm country if Trudeau tries ithttps://seanholman.com/cbc-tv-to-look-at-govt-secrecy/2016-01-11T22:47:02Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cbc-tv-to-look-at-govt-secrecy.jpgCBC-TV to look at gov't secrecyhttps://seanholman.com/open-up-govt-files/2016-01-11T22:59:47Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/open-up-govt-files.jpgOpen up gov't fileshttps://seanholman.com/pcs-pledge-appeal-process-for-release-of-information/2016-01-11T23:16:01Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/pcs-pledge-appeal-process-for-release-of-information.jpgPCs pledge appeal process for release of informationhttps://seanholman.com/unknowable-country/2016-07-11T23:00:09Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/unknowable-country.pngUnknowable Countryhttps://seanholman.com/cropped-sean-holman1-jpg/2016-07-11T23:13:00Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cropped-sean-holman1.jpgcropped-sean-holman1.jpghttps://seanholman.com/2016/09/15/celebrating-right-to-know-week/2016-09-15T23:51:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Carleton-University-1.jpgCarleton UniversityA panel discussion during Right to Know Week will take place at Carleton University later this month. (Photograph by nismonick)https://seanholman.com/2018/02/22/info-watchdogs-parting-shot-echoes-past-criticism/2018-02-22T20:57:38Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Information-commissioner-annual-report.jpgInformation commissioner annual reportSuzanne Legault isn't the first and likely won't be the last information commissioner to give the federal government a parting shot. (Graphic by Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2018/03/02/the-currency-of-democracy/2018-03-02T20:57:45Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Martin-Grove-Brumbaugh.jpgMartin Grove BrumbaughMartin Grove Brumbaugh shared his ideas on education and democracy when he was the superintendent of public schools of Philadelphia. (Photograph courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division)https://seanholman.com/2018/03/12/freedom-of-information-and-the-french-atom-bomb/2018-03-13T01:05:17Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Reggane-range-facility-of-Algerian-part-of-Sahara.jpgReggane range facility of Algerian part of Sahara. First nuclear test held by French scientistsThe dangers of atomic bomb tests like this one - conducted by France in the Sahara on February 13, 1960 - contributed to the rise of the right to know movement. (Photograph by ITAR-TASS News Agency/Alamy Stock Photo)https://seanholman.com/2018/03/29/big-brother-and-the-peoples-right-to-know/2018-03-29T21:53:06Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1984.jpg1984The threat and fear of Big Brother contributed to the rise of the right to know. (Photograph by 20th Century Fox)https://seanholman.com/2018/04/28/discerning-the-truth/2018-04-28T18:19:27Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/The-Falling-Currency-of-Democracy.jpgThe Falling Currency of DemocracyDemonstrators marching in the street holding signs during the March on Washington, 1963. (Photograph by Marion S. Trikosko)https://seanholman.com/2018/06/11/the-long-march-for-science/2018-06-12T03:11:00Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/March-for-Science.jpgMarch for ScienceDemonstrators at the 2017 March for Science in Washington, DC. (Photograph by Becker1999)https://seanholman.com/2018/08/07/measuring-trudeaus-commitment-to-openness/2018-08-07T16:51:19Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Openness.jpgOpennessThe federal Liberals like to claim they are open and democratic. But how can we tell if they actually are? (Image by Liberal Party of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2018/08/10/what-never-hardly-ever/2018-08-10T17:25:26Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Archives-Building.jpgThe Archives BuildingThe American government was declassifying millions of pages of documents while the Canadian government was still trying to keep most of its documents secret. (Photograph by Office of the National Archives)https://seanholman.com/2018/08/13/is-cabinet-confidentiality-reasonable/2018-08-12T17:58:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Alex-C.-Michalos.jpgAlex C. MichalosSocial scientist Alex C. Michalos was among those who questioned the notion of cabinet confidentiality in the 1970s. (Photograph by University of Northern British Columbia)https://seanholman.com/2018/08/30/mick-jagger-freedom-of-information-advocate/2018-08-30T21:45:27Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rolling-Stones.jpgRolling StonesThe Rolling Stones were among the British musicians became "tax exiles" in the seventies. (Photograph by Bert Verhoeff)https://seanholman.com/2018/09/10/classifying-info-has-nothing-to-do-with-the-public/2018-09-10T16:32:17Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Pierre-Trudeau-nomination.jpgPierre Trudeau nominationIn 1976, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his Treasury Board President Mitchell Sharp were accused of being instinctive suppressors of information. (Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)https://seanholman.com/2018/09/11/death-by-study/2018-09-11T19:32:17Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Gerald-Baldwin.jpgGerald BaldwinProgressive Conservative MP Gerald Baldwin was also frustrated by the federal government's tendency to study rather than act on freedom of information. (Photograph courtesy of Gerald Baldwin)https://seanholman.com/2018/09/17/climate-change-questions-unasked-in-canada/2018-09-17T20:19:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Jerry-Brown.jpgJerry BrownCalifornia governor Jerry Brown signs a bill setting a 100 percent clean electricity goal for the state. (Photograph courtesy of the Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.)https://seanholman.com/2018/09/17/climate-change-questions-unasked-in-canada/2018-09-17T20:33:16Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/An-Alarm-on-Global-Warming.jpgAn Alarm on Global WarmingThe United Nations secretary-general's climate change warning was important enough to make the front page of the New York Times. (Image courtesy of the New York Times)https://seanholman.com/2018/09/19/equality-of-information/2018-09-19T16:48:40Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Corruption.jpgCorruptionPublic institutions often don't distribute information equally. Freedom of information laws were supposed to change that. (Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2018/09/25/this-is-not-what-my-letters-asked-for/2018-09-25T15:20:16Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Microscope.jpgMicroscopeA 1976 request for information about government toxicology testing went as well as you'd think it would. (Photograph by Shutterstock.com)https://seanholman.com/2018/10/18/access-to-information-act-timeline/2018-10-23T16:03:38Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1966-January-24-Government-Administration-Bill-page-139.jpegGovernment Administration BillThis page from the House of Commons Debates Official Report shows the introduction of Bill C-39, NDP MP Barry Mather's proposed administrative disclosure law. (Image by Library of Parliament)https://seanholman.com/2018/10/23/rowat-presents-seminal-foi-paper/2018-10-23T16:06:31Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/How-Much-Administrative-Secrecy.jpgHow Much Administrative SecrecyPolitical scientist Donald Rowat questioned whether Canada's tradition of administrative secrecy "conforms with the requirements of modern democracy." (Image by Canadian Journal of Economics and Political Science)https://seanholman.com/2018/10/30/study-pushes-for-info-right/2018-10-30T16:37:48Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/To-Know-and-Be-Known.jpgTo Know and Be KnownAn illustration from the Task Force on Government Information’s final report, To Know and Be Known. (Graphic by Government of Canada)https://seanholman.com/2018/10/31/turner-pushes-for-foi-law/2018-10-31T21:15:29Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/John-Turner.jpgJohn TurnerJohn Turner announcing his candidacy for the Liberal Party of Canada. (Photograph courtesy of Duncan Cameron, Library and Archives Canada)https://seanholman.com/2018/11/14/intellectuals-slam-secrecy/2018-11-14T17:37:38Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/An-Appeal-for-Realism-in-Politics.jpgAn Appeal for Realism in PoliticsPierre Trudeau was among seven Quebec intellectuals who railed against "despotic secrecy." (Image by Canadian Forum)https://seanholman.com/2018/11/19/the-merit-of-asking-aggressive-questions/2018-11-19T15:52:29Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Jim-Acosta.jpgJim AcostaCNN'S Jim Acosta confronts President Donald Trump. (Image by CNN)https://seanholman.com/2018/11/26/publicity-suggestions-alarm-commissioners/2018-11-26T21:32:58Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Report-of-the-Royal-Commission-on-Security.jpgReport of the Royal Commission on SecurityThe Royal Commission on Security also commented on concerns surrounding administrative secrecy. (Graphic by Government of Canada)https://seanholman.com/kent-cooper/2019-01-03T23:12:26Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kent-Cooper.jpgKent CooperThe Associated Press's Kent Cooper, sitting beside four telephones in his office. (Photograph by Bernard Hoffman, The LIFE Picture Collection, Getty Images)https://seanholman.com/motions-for-the-productions-of-papers/2020-04-15T19:40:22Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Motions-for-the-Productions-of-Papers.jpgMotions for the Productions of PapersGovernment gives guidelines for what documents MPs can and cannot see.https://seanholman.com/regulations-and-other-statutory-instruments/2020-04-15T19:10:13Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Regulations-and-Other-Statutory-Instruments.jpgRegulations and Other Statutory InstrumentsThe Standing Joint Committee on Regulations and Other Statutory Instruments begins its work.https://seanholman.com/referred-to-the-standing-joint-committee/2020-04-17T15:40:18Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Referred-to-the-Standing-Joint-Committee.jpgReferred to the Standing Joint CommitteeMPs vote to study the Guidelines for Motions for the Production of Papers.https://seanholman.com/tory-mp-gerald-baldwin/2020-04-17T16:45:59Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tory-MP-Gerald-Baldwin.jpgTory MP Gerald BaldwinTory MP Gerald Baldwin is https://seanholman.com/the-provision-of-government-information/2020-04-24T17:14:07Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/The-Provision-of-Government-Information.jpgThe Provision of Government InformationThe provision of government information becomes a concern for the Privy Council Office.https://seanholman.com/gordon-robertson-2/2020-04-30T23:03:02Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Gordon-Robertson.jpgGordon RobertsonClerk of the Privy Council Gordon Robertson did much to maintain government secrecy.https://seanholman.com/official-responsibility-private-conscience-and-public-information/2020-04-30T23:15:05Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Official-Responsibility-Private-Conscience-and-Public-Information.jpgOfficial Responsibility, Private Conscience, and Public InformationClerk of the Privy Council Gordon Robertson's speech to the Royal Society of Canada outlines the "serious" implications of leakers.https://seanholman.com/right-to-information-act-2/2020-05-05T16:02:18Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Right-to-Information-Act-scaled.jpgRight to Information ActParliamentary Secretary to the President of the Privy Council John Reid describes Progressive Conservative MP Gerald Baldwin's freedom of information legislation as "an indication of the impact that a private member's public bill can have on government policy."https://seanholman.com/seventh-report/2020-05-11T15:53:15Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Seventh-Report.jpgSeventh ReportThe Standing Joint Committee on Regulations and Other Statutory Instruments pushes for a freedom of information law.https://seanholman.com/memorandum-for-the-cabinet-access-to-public-records/2020-05-11T16:29:38Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Memorandum-for-the-Cabinet-Access-to-Public-Records.jpgMemorandum for the Cabinet (Access to Public Records)The Privy Council Office recommends access to public records via the public archives.https://seanholman.com/access-to-public-records/2020-05-11T19:08:14Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Access-to-Public-Records.gifAccess to Public RecordsPrime Minister Lester Pearson and his cabinet approve the 30-year rule.https://seanholman.com/release-to-archives-of-records-in-existence-for-thirty-years/2020-06-01T17:37:17Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Release-to-Archives-of-Records-in-Existence-for-Thirty-Years-scaled.jpgRelease to Archives of Records in Existence for Thirty YearsFour years after Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson's cabinet approved the 30-year rule, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau announces it.https://seanholman.com/franklin-d-roosevelt-2/2020-06-02T16:02:58Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Franklin-D.-Roosevelt-1.jpgFranklin D. RooseveltUnited States President Franklin D. Roosevelt popularizes the phrase "freedom of information."https://seanholman.com/message-to-the-congress-of-the-united-states/2020-06-02T16:47:55Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Message-to-the-Congress-of-the-United-States-scaled.jpgMessage to the Congress of the United StatesUnited States President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1940 State of the Union Address presses the need for people to "read and hear the facts."https://seanholman.com/atlantic-charter/2020-06-02T17:38:08Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Atlantic-Charter.jpgAtlantic CharterThe Atlantic Charter omitted American President Franklin D. Roosevelt's concern for freedom of information.https://seanholman.com/william-l-dawson/2020-06-02T20:25:41Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/William-L.-Dawson-scaled.jpgWilliam L. DawsonCongressman William L. Dawson directs the special subcommittee to "fully and frankly disclose any evidences of unjustiable suppression of information or distortion or slanting of facts."https://seanholman.com/the-peoples-right-to-know/2020-06-02T21:10:01Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Peoples-Right-to-Know-scaled.jpgThe People's Right to KnowThe People's Right to Know states "Public business is the public’s business. The people have the right to know. Freedom of information is their just heritage. Without that the citizens of a democracy have but changed their kings."https://seanholman.com/lyndon-b-johnson/2020-06-02T21:53:28Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Lyndon-B.-Johnson.jpgLyndon B. JohnsonAmerican President Lyndon B. Johnson reluctantly signed the Freedom of Information Act into law.https://seanholman.com/clarifying-and-protecting-the-right-of-the-public-to-information/2020-06-03T18:40:22Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Clarifying-and-protecting-the-right-of-the-public-to-information-scaled.jpgClarifying and protecting the right of the public to information"We do have pressing and important Government information problems, and I believe their solution is vital to the future of democracy in the United States," says Congressman John Moss.https://seanholman.com/panel-discussion-with-editors/2020-06-09T19:17:57Zhttps://seanholman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Panel-Discussion-With-Editors-scaled.jpgPanel Discussion With EditorsJames S. Pope, executive editor of the Courier-Journal and the former chairman of the American Society of Newspaper Editors' freedom of information committee, is the first to testify before the Special Subcommittee on Government Information.