Info change questioned

A change to the city’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw has Coun. Brian Skakun concerned about conflicts of interest.

City council has designated the city manager as the person in charge of managing freedom of information instead of the general manager of administrative services.

In addition, the amended bylaw adds the manager of legislative services as a second coordinator, alongside the supervisor of information and privacy.

“The challenge I have is a lot of organizations have dedicated people (to administer the act)...” Skakun said. “But I think having the city manager do it, he or she can be put in a very difficult position by having to serve two masters. If there is some politicaly-charged FOIs or documents that might come out, or if there is things that might come out in an FOI where their might be staffing issues… it is a very difficult position to be in.”

However, Skakun said he would support the bylaw because the update was “long overdue.”

Coun. Trudy Klassen said she would be supporting the change, “because I think it is essential our public is able to trust our FOI system.”