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Hiding SECRETS? Doug Ford's Alarming Attack on Political Transparency with FOI Law Changes
Description
Bill welcomes Richard Brennan (AKA The Badger), veteran Queen’s Park reporter to break down a major developing story in Canadian politics and Ontario politics.
Premier Doug Ford’s government is proposing significant changes to Ontario’s Freedom of Information (FOI) laws—changes critics say could weaken transparency and limit public access to government records. The proposed updates would allow more records from the premier’s office and cabinet to be kept secret, while also extending response times for information requests.
Bill and Richard examine what these changes mean for accountability, especially in the wake of past controversies—like the Greenbelt investigation—that relied heavily on access-to-information laws. They also discuss the broader implications for journalists, watchdogs, and the public’s ability to scrutinize government decisions.
With decades of experience covering Ontario politics and news, Brennan offers insight into why investigative journalism—and strong FOI laws—are essential to a healthy democracy.
Tune into Episode 399 of The Bill Kelly Podcast for daily politics news updates.
This politics news update was recorded on March 18, 2026.
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FURTHER READING
Ford government proposes FOI law change that would keep premier’s records secret
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-foi-changes-9.7127380
Doug Ford acknowledges transparency clamp-down is to protect his personal phone
https://globalnews.ca/news/11734575/doug-ford-foi-personal-cellphone/
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