...we're all so divided and distracted, they're pushing this through.
ccla.org
What is Bill 97?
Bill 97 is a law passed by the Government of Ontario that changes how access to government information and privacy oversight works in Ontario.
Main criticisms (from Canadian Civil Liberties Association)
The CCLA is raising several serious concerns:
1. Less transparency
The law removes large categories of government records from freedom-of-information (FOI) requests.
That means journalists, researchers, and the public may no longer be able to access certain government documents.
2. Retroactive secrecy
Some parts of the law apply retroactively.
In plain terms: even records that were already requested could now be withheld.
3. Weaker privacy protections
The government may face fewer limits on how it collects, uses, or stores personal data.
Oversight of privacy and cybersecurity practices is reduced.
4. Avoiding scrutiny
The government reportedly bypassed the usual legislative committee process, which is normally where laws get detailed review and public input.
Why this is controversial
Critics argue this could:
Reduce government accountability
Make it harder to investigate decisions or wrongdoing
Increase risks around personal data handling
Set a precedent for less democratic oversight
Supporters (not quoted in your excerpt) would likely argue it improves efficiency, protects sensitive information, or strengthens cybersecurity—but those arguments aren’t detailed in this piece.
Bottom line
The article reflects a civil liberties perspective: it sees Bill 97 as a shift toward more secrecy and less oversight in Ontario’s government, especially around information access and privacy.
Ontario pushes Bill 97 into law, dodging legislative scrutiny - CCLA
CCLA is deeply concerned that Ontario has pushed Bill 97, which undermines public transparency and privacy, into law by bypassing legislative scrutiny.
ccla.org
What is Bill 97?
Bill 97 is a law passed by the Government of Ontario that changes how access to government information and privacy oversight works in Ontario.
Main criticisms (from Canadian Civil Liberties Association)
The CCLA is raising several serious concerns:
1. Less transparency
The law removes large categories of government records from freedom-of-information (FOI) requests.
That means journalists, researchers, and the public may no longer be able to access certain government documents.
2. Retroactive secrecy
Some parts of the law apply retroactively.
In plain terms: even records that were already requested could now be withheld.
3. Weaker privacy protections
The government may face fewer limits on how it collects, uses, or stores personal data.
Oversight of privacy and cybersecurity practices is reduced.
4. Avoiding scrutiny
The government reportedly bypassed the usual legislative committee process, which is normally where laws get detailed review and public input.
Why this is controversial
Critics argue this could:
Reduce government accountability
Make it harder to investigate decisions or wrongdoing
Increase risks around personal data handling
Set a precedent for less democratic oversight
Supporters (not quoted in your excerpt) would likely argue it improves efficiency, protects sensitive information, or strengthens cybersecurity—but those arguments aren’t detailed in this piece.
Bottom line
The article reflects a civil liberties perspective: it sees Bill 97 as a shift toward more secrecy and less oversight in Ontario’s government, especially around information access and privacy.
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