Michael Maddock

[Colin D'Mello | Global News @ColinDMello]

NEW: The Ford gov't says its new FOI laws would still allow documents on important decisions to come to light - mainly through the civil service.

But heavily redacted notes from Ontario's top civil servant show that isn't currently the case.

https://t.co/YjGTX9WtlQ

#onpoli

[Colin D'Mello | Global News @ColinDMello]

NEW: The Ford government's controversial FOI changes -- embedded into this year's budget legislation -- is set to skip public hearings and will return to the legislature for a final vote.

Here's how it happened:

#onpoli

[Colin D'Mello | Global News @ColinDMello]

A new poll by Abacus Data found 63% want Progressive Conservative MPPs to vote against their own government and defeat the province's planned changes to the FOI laws.

Why?

Because the poll found a majority believe the changes are "primarily intended to reduce government accountability."

#onpoli

[Colin D'Mello | Global News @ColinDMello]

Focus Ontario: Ontario's Information and Privacy Commissioner is pouring cold water on some of the Ford government’s FOI claims - saying the changes will actually make the province more secretive and less secure.

@isaaccallan speaks with @IPCinfoprivacy.

#onpoli

[Isaac Callan @isaaccallan]

NEW: Ontario’s transparency watchdog says the Ford government’s planned overhaul of freedom of information laws is a “shocking” proposal designed to hide the premier’s cellphone records from the public. #OnPoli
https://t.co/QrklIf9jhn

[Colin D'Mello | Global News @ColinDMello]

BREAKING: Ontario’s Information and Piracy Commissioner weighs in on premier Doug Ford changes to the FOI:

“This amendment is about hiding government-related business to evade public accountability.”

On Doug Ford’s use of a private cell phone for gov’t business:

The Government of Ontario is currently seeking leave to appeal a court ruling that unanimously upheld my office's order to produce call logs from the Premier's personal cellphone that relate to government business.

This is to ensure independent examination to determine whether they may be subject to access under the law.

Based on evidence showing that the Premier routinely uses his personal phone to conduct government business, it is likely that they are.

By changing the law retroactively, the government's message is plain: if oversight bodies get in the way, just change the rules.

Full statement:

#onpoli

[Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine]

It will apply retroactively — to battles for access to documents related to the Greenbelt scandal, the Skills Development Fund scandal and the premier’s personal cell phone records.

Read about those here: https://t.co/38dc5q48j1

[Kyle Ross @KyleFromQuinte]

The "retroactive" part is especially egregious. How does this affect the RCMP's Greenbelt investigation? Did Doug Ford just write himself a "Get Out of Jail Free" card?

[Richard Southern @RichardCityNews]

NEW - “No government changes the FOI rules unless they’re looking to hide corruption” says opposition leader Marit Stiles.

[Siobhan Morris @siomoCTV]

"This is bullshit" Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles blasts an overhaul of Ontario's access to information law

https://t.co/qup2kbOA7s

[Marit Stiles @MaritStiles]

Doug Ford is changing the rules so he can hide the truth from Ontarians. Under these rules, it would have been impossible to uncover this government’s Greenbelt corruption, or their preferential treatment for the multi-billion dollar private spa at Ontario Place.

An honest government doesn’t change the rules to hide from the public. But Doug Ford’s government does.

https://t.co/cZXn1UXFcQ

[Colin D'Mello | Global News @ColinDMello]

In 2021, I wrote a story about how, when the going gets tough, the Ford government's priority is to "protect the king."

The latest FOI changes appear to underline that government principle.

https://t.co/iOy7uEDBD1

#onpoli

[Colin D'Mello | Global News @ColinDMello]

Global News has been engaged in a years-long transparency battle with Premier Doug Ford's office over his cell phone records.

The government has lost a battle in court.

The government is now changing the rules to neutralize the FOI.

#onpoli

[Doug Ford @fordnation]

It’s official: Ontario’s new advertising campaign in the U.S. has launched. 

Using every tool we have, we’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada. The way to prosperity is by working together.

Watch our new ad.

[United Nations @UN]

Today, the UN family mourns the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall.

The scientist, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature.

[Pitchfork @pitchfork]

Today, we revisit the 1992 album from the preeminent Canadian rock band. It’s the sound of national icons coming into their own, and confronting the foundational myths of their country

https://t.co/nPSghCsLk7

[Aaron Rupar @atrupar]

Carney to Trump: "There are some places that are never for sale ... having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign, it's not for sale. It won't be for sale ever."

[Detroit Lions @Lions]

🚨 It's #ProBowlVote double count day 🚨

RT for your chance to win this autographed @JaredGoff16 jersey.

Each RT = 2 votes‼️

#WPMOYChallenge

[Michael Maddock @Numismike]

A Canadian hero who set us on the path to becoming a better nation

[John Ralston Saul @JohnRalstonSaul]

Murray Sinclair. A great man. This is so rare - a truly great man. He changed our society. He made all of us think about others and about ourselves in a new and better way. https://t.co/OgfL6l672n

[Michael Maddock @Numismike]

If you grew up through the 80s you knew his singular sound instantly RIP #DavidSanborn

[Rolling Stone @RollingStone]

David Sanborn, Jazz Saxophonist Who Played on David Bowie’s ‘Young Americans,’ Dead at 78

More: https://t.co/SivViLlbU6