Access to Information

Another day, another Barb Sweet report in The Telegram regarding the future of the Colonial Building.

It starts off on one curious note:

"The historical significance of it from both the provincial and federal side should see that the federal government come in and be a partner with us on this," said Tourism Minister Clyde Jackman.

Step by step, we are becoming masters of our own house... one federal government grant at a time.

Sweet continues:

Apropos Planning of Ottawa and Dunbar Studios of St. John's were hired to come up with the presentation Making These Walls Talk, which calls for a hip interpretation of Colonial Building's history, combining new technology and interactive displays.

Both reports were obtained by The Telegram through access to information legislation. The consultants' work cost a combined $200,000.

Why should The Telegram have had to go through that legislation? Remember, two elections ago now, Our Dear Premier pledged to:

Release to the public every government-commissioned report within 30 days of receiving it, indicate the action government will take on a report's recommendations within 60 days, and ensure prompt public access to all government reports in hard copy and on the Internet.

What happened to that pledge, ODP?