N.L. opposition filibusters for third night to protest ‘regressive’ info bill

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Democracy Watch says proposed restrictions on access to information would make Newfoundland and Labrador less open than other parts of Canada and the world.

Spokesman Tyler Sommers says the changes would increase risks of corruption and waste as ministers could reject requests they deem “frivolous,” and the auditor general would be barred from seeing certain records.

Proposed amendments would also broaden the scope of what could be considered cabinet secrets.

Liberal Opposition house leader Yvonne Jones says her party will debate for a third straight night the changes proposed by the majority Tory government.

Government house leader Jerome Kennedy has indicated he won’t move to end debate before Thursday.

The government says the proposed changes respect transparency while clarifying the right to information and protecting personal details.