Right to know

Visual: A montage of digital devices—tablets, smartphones, and computers—floating and rotating, each displaying fast-changing content.
Script: "In a digital world flooded with misinformation"

Visual: Stylized image of a humanoid AI figure surrounded by multiple screens showing AI-generated content.
Script: "where Artificial Intelligence can distort content"

Visual: Three individuals scrolling through social media on their smartphones.
Script: "and falsehoods spread rapidly on social media."

Visual: A woman seated at a desk, searching for information on her laptop while taking handwritten notes.
Script: "timely access to reliable information is more crucial than ever."

Visual: Close-up of wooden blocks spelling “FACT” and “FAKE” on a red background, emphasizing contrast.
Script: "It empowers us to separate fact from fiction."

Visual: Video of the Canadian Parliament building in Ottawa, 
Script: "and understand what drives government decisions."

Visual: A dynamic montage of individuals across Canada, including scenes with Canadian flags, the Rocky Mountains, and a Canadian passport.
Script: "Since 1983, anyone present in Canada has the right to request"

Visual: A stack of papers gradually shrinking.
Script: "and receive information from a government institution"

Visual: Image of a government building and a map of Canada with text overlay: “Over 180 institutions are subject to the Access to Information Act.”
Script: "that is subject to the Access to Information Act."

Visual: A gavel resting on a sound block, followed by a person writing in a notebook—symbolizing legal authority and documentation.
Script: "This Act exists to promote transparency and accountability."

Visual: Photo of Caroline Maynard sitting at her desk with a nameplate. Text overlay: “Caroline Maynard, Information Commissioner of Canada.”
Script: "I'm Caroline Maynard, the Information Commissioner of Canada."

Visual: Caroline Maynard standing behind two people seated at a table, reviewing a laptop screen together.
Script: "I investigate complaints against federal institutions related"

Visual: Animation of a computer screen showing files being transferred, representing the flow of information.
Script: "to access to information, including how and when information is disclosed."

Visual: Footage of a press conference with microphones and journalists.
Script: "Understanding how decisions are made, particularly in times of crises and change, is essential."

Visual: Montage of visuals including keywords like “disinformation,” “misinformation,” and “FACTS vs FICTION,” alongside newspapers and people reading.
Script: "A strong access to information system builds public trust."

Visual: A hand holding a magnifying glass over a book, with the word “policy” magnified.
Script: "and helps fight misinformation."

Visual: Animated icons illustrating the access to information request process: a person, an arrow pointing to a government building, a 30-day calendar, and documents being handed over.
Script: "It provides insight into policy and decision-making through access to records held by government institutions."

Visual: People in business attire standing in small groups in front of a large window, engaged in discussion.
Script: "Right to Know Week is a time to highlight"

Visual: Overhead shot of two formally dressed individuals working on a laptop.
Script: "the vital role"

Visual: Two people sitting on a sofa, searching for information on a smartphone.
Script: "access to information plays in a healthy democracy."

Visual: Crowd of people walking in different directions, resembling public servants heading to work.
Script: None

Visual: A man standing in front of a window with high-rise buildings, the window interface resembling a computer screen.
Script: "Transparency is key. "

Visual: People of various ages and ethnic backgrounds standing together in a field, rising in unity.
Script: "You have a right to know."

Visual: Magenta slide showing the coat of arms and branding of the Office of the Information Commissioner.

Right to know

“I believe that government institutions have a fundamental responsibility to build public confidence and to counter disinformation through transparency.”

The Information Commissioner of Canada, Caroline Maynard

 

1766

Sweden becomes the first country in the world to introduce freedom-of-information rules.

1977

Nova Scotia becomes the first province in Canada to introduce its own access-to-information legislation.

1983

The federal Access to Information Act comes into force.

2002

International Right to Know Day is established in Bulgaria.

2006

Canada’s first Right to Know Week is celebrated.

2011

Open Government Partnership is created.

2019

The federal Access to Information Act is amended by Parliament, in particular to give the Information Commissioner order-making powers.

The United Nations General Assembly adopts a resolution proclaiming September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

2023

This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the coming into force of the federal Access to Information Act.

2025

The review of the Access to Information Act is launched.