Access is not a luxury. It is a right.

When learners have access to voices, history, and questions, creativity blossoms, communities thrive, and learning becomes a collective act.

#AccessToInformation #Education #Equity #Storytelling #FutureOfLearning

Text reads: MARCH NEWSLETTER INSIDE THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF OUR NEWSLETTER CFoIS

Text reads: Stage 1 of the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill Update Scottish Government consultation on extending FoI to the care sector deadline Scottish Government's Hamilton Inquiry case handling criticised by the Independent Regulator Scottish FoI practitioners win at eCase Awards 2026 FoI in Europe and more... CFoIS

Have a look inside the March instalment of our newsletter!

If you want to find out more, sign up to our newsletter here: www.cfois.scot/support-us/

#freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi

Ontario budget 2026 live: Ford government table record $244B Ontario budget; projected deficit nearly doubled to $13.8B Doug Ford’s finance minister Peter Bethlenfalvy will table the budget Thursday afternoon at Queen’s Park. Follow for live updates.

#OntarioBudgetScam
I wish that
@doug-ford.bsky.social would #choke on his fucking #Booze.
Don't allow him to hide behind #PrivacyChanges and #AccessToInformation
LIAR, SCUMBAG GETS AWAY WITH ENOUGH BS & CROOKED DEALS ALREADY!! 😡

Text reads: New FoI code of practice published Photo shows documents

Text reads: On the 25th of March, a new Code of Practice relating to Freedom of Information practice was published. It provides updated and improved guidance on public bodies compliance with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FoISA). The new guidance can help requestors to formulate their requests, as well as assist FoI practitioners when responding to requests. CFoIS

Text reads: The new code includes updated guidance on: responsibility for FOI within an authority; proactively publishing information; the provision of advice and assistance by authorities to people who propose to make, or have made, requests for information; responding to requests; handling a request for information; training and staffing arrangements; records management and searching for information; transferring requests to other authorities; CFoIS

Text reads: consulting third parties to whom information requested relates, or people whose interests are likely to be affected by the disclosure of such information; the disclosure of contractual and procurement-related information; responding to reviews; monitoring compliance, collecting and recording statistics about request handling; and appeals to the Commissioner. CFoIS

A new Code of Practice relating to Freedom of Information was published yesterday.

Read the Code here: www.gov.scot/publications...

#freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #politics #scotland #foi

Updated statement on proposed changes to Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act TORONTO, ON (March 25, 2026) – For nearly forty years, Ontarians have had the right to access government-related records at the highest levels.

Commissioner Patricia Kosseim has released an updated statement addressing the Government of Ontario’s shifting justifications for their proposal to reduce Ontarians’ transparency rights.

Full statement: www.ipc.on.ca/en/media-cen...

#Privacy #AccessToInformation #FIPPA #Transparency #PublicPolicy

Can you spare a minute to help this campaign? Stop the Ford government from revoking public access to information

Sign the petition to help stop Ontario Premier #DougFord from gutting the public's right to access government information. c.org/nVPFjwrTHx #Canada #Ontario #AccessToInformation #PublicRightToKnow #democracy

Text reads: Secret Scotland Will the Scottish Government face another court case over FoI non-compliance? CFoIS Graphic shows a redacted document

Text reads: The Scottish Information Commissioner has said that he is considering a second contempt of court case over the Scottish Government’s handling of an FoI request related to the Hamilton Inquiry. At First Minister’s Questions on 19th March 2026, Katy Clark MSP asked FM John Swinney if he will commit to providing all the information required under decision notice 193/2024 and sought reassurance that he is not considering using the First Minister’s veto, under s52 of FoISA, to keep the information secret from the public.

Text reads: The First Minister avoided answering whether or not he will use the Ministerial veto, a power which has not been used since FoISA came into effect in 2005. Katy Clark MSP’s Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill, introduced to Parliament in June 2025, seeks to remove the First Minister’s veto power, a provision that the SPPA Committee’s Stage 1 Report supported. The Bill passed Stage 1 and is set to return in the next session of Parliament.

Text reads: CFoIS encourages everyone to support the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill at Stages 2 and 3 in the new session of Parliament, after the 7th of May, and promises to raise these and other issues as the Bill progresses. These kind of problems simply strengthen the case that FoISA needs reformed urgently to close legal loopholes and strengthen the enforcement powers of the independent Commissioner.

Will the Scottish Government face another court case over FoI non-compliance? Read the Scottish Information Commissioner’s full statement at www.foi.scot/preposterous...

#FoIReformNow #secretscotland #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation

#DougFord’s attempt to hide his corruption by limiting #accesstoinformation, the very tool the public has used to find out about the #GreenBelt scandal, etc.

#ONpoli #Cdnpoli

☑️Understanding the impact of internet shutdowns helps us recognize why protecting digital access matters for communities, economies, and democratic participation.

🔗 Explore more on how internet shutdowns affect communities: shorturl.at/dIPkI

#KeepItOn #DigitalRightsUg #AccessToInformation

Library and Archives planning deep cuts to access to information team, document shows Cuts will put at risk ability to comply with access and privacy laws, department acknowledged in a document

“ #LibraryandArchivesCanada is planning deep cuts to its #accesstoinformation division that will put at risk its ability to comply with #access and #privacy #laws, the department has acknowledged in a document.” www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...

Committee advances proof-of-residency requirement for open-records requests amid access concerns House Bill 567 passed the House State Government Committee on a favorable vote (14–1–3). The bill would allow official custodians to require proof of residency for open-records requests, clarify the definition of a resident to include foreign businesses with a physical Kentucky location, and exclude third parties acting on behalf of others.

Kentucky's House Committee just passed a bill that could change how you access public records by requiring proof of residency—what does this mean for transparency?

Read the full story.

#KY #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #AccessToInformation #GovernmentTransparency

Assembly updates public‑records law after debate over ACDA carve‑out and proprietary software The Assembly on Feb. 17 passed a substantial update to the municipal public‑records ordinance with amendments addressing terminology and fees; debate focused on whether entities such as the Anchorage Community Development Authority are covered and how proprietary software and data reports are handled.

The Anchorage Assembly just revamped its public records law, promising greater transparency and streamlined access, but concerns linger about potential loopholes!

Click to read more!

#AnchorageMunicipality #AK #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #AccessToInformation #TransparencyReform

The discussion also highlights project successes, shifts in institutional responsiveness, remaining challenges, and community-driven solutions.

#IDeserveToKnow
#AccessToInformation

Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into effect at the beginning of 2005. It provided rights to see information held by public bodies, such as the Scottish Government and local councils. It was a huge innovation at the time. However, I believe that time has moved on and those rights need to catch up with the world we live in now.” - Dr Derek Manson Smith, Treasurer, the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland

CFoIS Treasurer Dr Derek Manson Smith tells us why he backs the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: “FOI, introduced over 20 years ago, was an important milestone in the new Scottish Parliament. FOI was, and remains, consistent with founding principles of the Scottish Parliament: openness, accessibility and accountability. Change has occurred since; however, we need to make sure that FOI keeps up and ensure all those, including contractors, involved in delivering public services are also accountable to FOI. CWU fully supports Katy Clark’s updated legislation and hopes that the Parliament does too.” - Communications Workers Union (CWU)

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) sets out why the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill is the best vehicle for updating FoI laws!
@cwunews.bsky.social

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “Freedom of Information has a vital role to play in supporting transparency, democracy and accountability. It is clear that the current framework there are too many opportunities for information to be withheld, leading to a lack of scrutiny over decision making. RMT is therefore supporting the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is seeking to introduce much needed legal reform to the FOI framework in Scotland.” - The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) sets out why the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill is a timely and welcome piece of legislation.
@rmtunion.bsky.social

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill has widespread support “FBU Scotland supports this Bill and the desire to see transparency in all aspects of the provision of public services, whether directly or indirectly. It will help to ensure accountability extends to include the arm's length contracts that are so prevalent in the public sector, and to strengthen the current legislation to prevent circumvention of their responsibilities. The public need to be able to hold companies and bodies to account, this Bill helps us do that.” - Fire Brigades Union Scotland (FBU)

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Scotland tells us why they support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill!
@fbunational.bsky.social

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: Support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill “Human Rights Consortium Scotland (HRCS) believes that the Scottish Freedom of Information Act is essential in enabling human rights defenders (both organisations and individuals) to access the information they require to effectively campaign and lobby for change. Following 20 years of high impact, we are supportive of the work ongoing by the Campaign for Freedom of Information Scotland and its partners to update the Act.”

Human Rights Consortium Scotland @hrcscotland.bsky.social sets out why the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill would strengthen human rights in Scotland.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill enjoys widespread support The SPPA Committee’s call for views shows widespread support for the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill. Photo shows someone writing in a notebook

Text reads: 84% of respondents supported introducing a presumption in favour of information disclosure when considering the application of a qualified exemption; 80% supported repealing the publication scheme duty and introducing a duty to proactively publish; 69% supported pausing, rather than resetting, the 20-working day response clock when seeking clarification; 76% supported introducing a Freedom of Information Officer in each Scottish public authority;

Text reads: 76% supported creating an offence where information is destroyed with intent to prevent disclosure, even if no information request has been made; 76% supported repealing the First Minister’s veto power; 74% supported the proposals relating to the general functions and enforcement powers of the Scottish Information Commissioner. CFoIS urges MSPs from all parties to vote for the general principles of the Bill at the Stage 1 debate on Tuesday.

The FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill has widespread support, as evidenced in the Committee's call for views. CFoIS urges MSPs from all parties to vote for the general principles of the Bill at the Stage 1 debate on Tuesday.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “The Centre for Law and Democracy congratulates Scotland on 20 years of successful implementation of its Freedom of Information Act. We recently assessed the Act on our respected RTI Rating and it earned a score of 103 points out of a possible total of 150, which would put it in 36th place from among the 150 countries which have such laws. Although this is positive, we support the work by the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland (CFoIS) to build all-party support for reform of the Act to further improve it.”

The Centre for Law and Democracy @law-democracy.bsky.social backs the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill!

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: Support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill “FOI is a critical tool to aid transparency and hold decision-makers to account. Since its introduction FOI has helped Scotland track who makes decisions, why and in whose interests. However, FOI needs to be updated and expanded. In the railways we know about the influence of private providers and it's unfair that these contractors are exempt from FOI. This needs to be corrected and ASLEF wholeheartedly supports Katy Clark in trying to improve Scotland's FOI legislation.” - ASLEF, the train drivers’ union

The train drivers' union @aslefunion.bsky.social sets out why the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill is so important.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: Support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill “I fully support the FOI Reform Bill because the money in the public purse is finite. There is no magic money tree. The public should have the right to know exactly where their taxes are being spent. When organisations and businesses are taking money from the public purse to provide services of a public nature, we should know what they are doing with that money and be allowed to ask.” - Mandy Reid, Secretary, the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland

CFoIS Secretary Mandy Reid sets out why she supports the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill!

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: Support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill “The Edinburgh Freelance Branch of the National Union of Journalists strongly supports Katy Clark's proposed Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill. Several of our members have made use of the existing FoI provisions and agree that increased transparency can only be good for democracy. The proposed bill is an opportunity for Scotland to lead the way in its approach to accountability in civic life. The branch urges all parties to support it.”

The Edinburgh Freelance Branch of the National Union of Journalists @nujofficial.bsky.social supports the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill!

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: Thumbs up for FoI Reform! “We strongly support the extension of effective rights to Freedom of Information which the Clark Bill furthers, and the important campaigning work which CFOIS carries out. This is vital to the continuing development of democracy and civic participation across the nation, not least within the trade union movement.” - SNP Trade Union Group

SNP Trade Union Group reminds us why the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill is so important.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “To improve efficiency and transparency in the public interest – and to ensure that trade unions can access information for collective bargaining - FOI processes in Scotland require change. The Third sector has expanded and public funds have been given to ALEO's, outsourced organisations and private bodies involved in running core public services. These groups are not covered under existing legislation – making accessing information difficult and creating a lack of transparency.” - Unite The Union Scotland

@unitetheunion.bsky.social Scotland sets out why it supports the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: #FoIReformNow “It is welcome. The legislation has been in force for a number of years, and it is useful to refresh it every now and then, to understand whether it is meeting the wishes of the Parliament and the public.” - Chris Milne, Scottish Higher Education Information Practitioners Group

At an evidence session for the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill, Chris Milne from Scottish Higher Education Information Practitioners Group said that the Bill is welcome.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill has widespread support “It tackles the most obvious deficiencies that have emerged because of the passage of time. That is the most important part of [the Bill].” - Professor Kevin Dunion

Professor Kevin Dunion praises the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill!

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: Care 4 FoI? What happens in Scotland’s care homes matters. That is why we support extending FoI to the care sector. To find out more, attend one of CFoIS’ online briefings, held in conjunction with supporting organisations, about extending FoI to the care sector. Photo shows someone giving another person a helping hand

Text reads: What: Care 4 FoI? With The Jimmy Reid Foundation When: Thursday 12 February at 5:00PM to 6:00PM GMT Where: Online Cost: Free Tickets are available to book now via Eventbrite.

Attend the CFoIS-led event 'Care 4 FoI' with @reidfoundation.bsky.social on Thursday to find out more! Get a free ticket via Eventbrite now: www.eventbrite.com/e/1980371899...

#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #foi #ati

Text reads: #FoIReformNow “We want full transparency, or as much transparency as humanly possible. We are talking about taxpayers’ money, and things are hard for working-class people and working-class communities. Nobody wants public money to be squandered, and we want accountability. You guys, as parliamentarians, are ultimately responsible for that and should be held to account for your actions and omissions.” - Gordon Martin, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

At an evidence session for the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill, Gordon Martin from @rmtunion.bsky.social explained why the Scotland's FoI laws need refreshing.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “It was a safety net that could be used in extreme circumstances. It has proved not to be needed and it has not been used. We hope that it will never be used if it remains, but why not remove it while you have the opportunity?” - Alex Parsons, mySociety/WhatDoTheyKnow, on the proposed repealing of the First Minister’s veto power under section 52 of FoISA 2002.

Alex Parsons from @mysociety.org / @whatdotheyknow.bsky.social says that Scotland should take the opportunity to remove the First Minister's veto - a proposal contained in the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati