News Summary and Comment
In today’s update, Richard Colvin, the Afghan detainee controversy whistleblower, has reappeared. His lawyer has released a letter arguing that the government is making a reprisal against him for his testimony at Parliamentary committee – the same committee that pundits generally agree was the reason Parliament was prorogued, as it was getting embarrassing. The method of this reprisal: its refusal to pay his legal fees under the government policy on indemnification.
Although it isn’t mentioned in the articles out today, the government has been stonewalling on this issue for months. The reason being given is that they want to be privy to everything Colvin’s lawyer does, writes, etc. On one hand, one might argue that they should have that right if they are paying the bills. But on the other hand, the attacks on Colvin since his testimony make it clear that they don’t have his interests at heart, and that he would accordingly be a fool to let them see anything. Also, they agreed to him having his own lawyer early on as there might be a conflict of interest. That remains true now.
It’s unfortunate, but Colvin will soon learn that this is only the beginning. Unless he gets some very heavy hitters on his side soon – and I think that would require a change of government – he will face much more in the years to come. Such is the state of the federal public service in Canada, and, as few Canadians really seem to care, such is the state of Canadian apathy.
In B.C., the Information and Privacy Commissioner, David Loukidelis, resigned on January 19. No successor has been named and a leaked letter says work has ground to a standstill. I’m sure the government finds that very upsetting.
The federal Information Commissioner’s job is also still open, though it is being filled by Suzanne Legault on an interim basis. The job couldn’t be filled in any event right now, as government is prorogued – making it impossible for Parliament to approve an appointment. Still, I think things there are working better than I have seen them work for years.
Finally, a small story out of Manitoba: it seems Manitoba Hydro, still engaged in damage control as its whistleblowing scandal unfolds, accidentally misused a Tory staffer’s information. This prompted a complaint and more claims that Hydro management and the governing NDP are joined at the hip.
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Richard Colvin Claims Reprisals Being Made
B.C.’s Information and Privacy Watchdog Quits, Leaving Void
Federal Information Commissioner Post Still not Filled
Manitoba Hydro Accused of Violating Tory Staffer’s Privacy
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Richard Colvin Claims Reprisals Being Made
Diplomat-whistleblower says he faces government reprisal
The Star (Toronto), January 25, 2010
Summary: The Canadian diplomat who charged that Ottawa turned a blind eye to his warnings about torture of Afghan prisoners now says he’s being punished by the Harper government for speaking out. Richard Colvin’s lawyer talks of this “reprisal” in a letter released today that says Ottawa is ignoring his requests for further legal aid funding as he prepares to appear before an inquiry investigating the handling of Afghan prisoners.
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B.C.’s Information and Privacy Watchdog Quits, Leaving Void
Watchdog quits, leaving void
Globe and Mail, January 23, 2010
Summary: B.C.’s former information and privacy watchdog, David Loukidelis, has left his old office in legal limbo, with no one to scrutinize the provincial government and almost 3,000 public bodies.
B.C.’s privacy watchdog office shut, leaked letter says
The Province (Vancouver), January 23, 2010
Summary: Work at the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has ceased, leaving British Columbians with no independent office to hold the government accountable, says a leaked letter marked “Extremely Urgent” to the Speaker of the legislature.
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Federal Information Commissioner Post Still not Filled
Feds still lacking ‘watchdog’
CNews, January 23, 2010
Summary: The federal office charged with prying the lid off government secrecy has been without a permanent leader since June and is unlikely to get one for several more months.
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Manitoba Hydro Accused of Violating Tory Staffer’s Privacy
Tory staffer says privacy violated when utility’s letter to her aired
Winnipeg Free Press, January 23, 2010
Summary: A staffer with the opposition Progressive Conservatives filed a complaint Friday with the provincial ombudsman claiming her privacy was violated under Manitoba’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). The complaint is the latest salvo by the Tories in their ongoing efforts to show there is an improper relationship between Manitoba Hydro and the Selinger government.
