Access to information: the Canadian experience

National Information Policy developments worldwide IV: copyright, Freedom of Information and data protection

“…In Canada, it includes any correspondence, memorandum, book, plan, map, drawing, pictorial or graphic work, photograph, film, microform, sound recording, videotape, machine-readable record, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics. Any machine-readable record that can be produced under the government's control using computer hardware and software and technical expertise which are normally used by government institutions, even if not produced before, is also available [15]. In France, files, reports, studies, accounts, minutes, statistics, directives, instructions, circulars, notes, ministerial replies, forecasts, written decisions, sound and visual recording, and automated information not of a personal character are available [15].…”

“…Any machine-readable record that can be produced under the government's control using computer hardware and software and technical expertise which are normally used by government institutions, even if not produced before, is also available [15]. In France, files, reports, studies, accounts, minutes, statistics, directives, instructions, circulars, notes, ministerial replies, forecasts, written decisions, sound and visual recording, and automated information not of a personal character are available [15]. In Sweden, any object that contains information of some kind is available [11].…”

Legal issues for information professionals, Part V: Freedom of information

“…In Canada, it includes any correspondence, memorandum, book, plan, map, drawing, pictorial or graphic work, photograph, film, microform, sound recording, videotape, machine-readable record, or other documentary material, regardless of physical Legal issues for information professionals, Part V: Freedom of information form or characteristics. Any machine-readable record that can be produced under the Government's control, using computer hardware and software and technical expertise which are normally used by government institutions, even if not been produced before, are also available [14]. In France, available material includes: all files, reports, studies, accounts, minutes, statistics, directives, instructions, circulars, notes and ministerial replies containing interpretations of the law or descriptions of administrative proceedings; opinions, other than those given by the Council of State or administrative tribunals; forecasts; written decisions; sound and visual recordings, and automated information not of a personal character [14].…”

“…Mandatory exemptions include personal information about any individual within or outside government. Discretionary exemptions relate to the release of materials being determined by the department in charge of the materials [14]. France's law provides an interesting internal guideline for decision-making about the rights of individuals and how the release of certain information may have the potential to cause harm [16].…”