Description: Access to information (ATI) is widely regarded as a fundamental democratic right. Yet in Canada there still exists a struggle between the public's quest for accountability and our government's culture of secrecy. Drawing together the perspectives of social scientists, journalists, and ATI advocates, Brokering Access explores the policies and practices surrounding access to information at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. This groundbreaking volume is the first of its kind to promote the idea that ATI should be used as a critical research strategy. It is a vital resource for scholars, policy makers, journalists, and anyone who is concerned about access to information and its effect on all Canadians.
Review Quotes: An important and valuable volume, "Brokering Access" should be read not only by academics, journalists, and activists, but also by political and bureaucratic actors who are entrusted with interpreting and applying the access laws at the national and provincial level.
- Paul G. Thomas, professor emeritus, University of Manitoba