Ontario's government promised transparency with its freedom of information laws, stating 95% of work would remain accessible. However, disclosures from the province's top civil servant, Michelle Di Emmanuel, reveal significant redactions concerning the mandated return-to-office policy for civil servants.
Global News requested Di Emmanuel's notes and emails related to the mandate. Of 15 pages of handwritten notes released, only about 25 words, phrases, or dates were deemed accessible. These included references like "Pat" (Premier Doug Ford's former chief of staff), "RTO" (return to office), "Premier," "Weekly meeting," and dates without context.
Opposition leaders criticized the redactions, questioning the purpose of freedom of information laws if decisions are not transparent. Government officials defended the changes to freedom of information rules, asserting that public servants follow procedures and that the province is aligning with other jurisdictions. These new rules, which could exempt the premier, cabinet, and staff from disclosing records, are expected to pass soon.