’It is in the interests of Parliament and the Canadian public’

In his continuing quest for disclosure of budget cuts, the Parliamentary Budget Officer delivers a legal opinion to the government.

As foreshadowed in my letter, I sought legal advice on the issue. Attached is an opinion outlining reasons why the information that was requested falls within the power of direct request; the information is financial or economic data, in the possession of department heads, necessary for discharging the PBO’s mandate, and not subject to any of the statutory exemptions listed. As such, the information should have been provided as requested, and both your department and the other departments that have not complied are in violation of their legal obligations under the Act.