The Alberta government is reconsidering its recent decision to eliminate the requirement for cabinet ministers and senior officials to disclose receipts for expenses over $100. This change sparked significant public outcry last week, prompting Premier's commitment to review the policy during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

While the government’s response may be seen as a positive step, it raises questions about the motivations behind the initial policy change. Critics argue that the government would not have reconsidered if the media had not highlighted the issue. The timing of the original policy change, made on a Friday before a long weekend, suggests an attempt to avoid scrutiny.

The province's information and privacy commissioner, Diane McLeod, has also pointed out ongoing issues with transparency. Earlier this year, she found that 27 government departments failed to comply with legislation regarding information requests. In a recent statement, McLeod noted that the government has not accepted all of her recommendations, particularly those related to limiting access to information requests.

McLeod has raised concerns that requiring individuals to submit separate requests for different topics, each incurring additional fees, violates the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). This act has since been replaced by the Access to Information Act (ATIA), which has introduced new exemptions that restrict access to various documents and correspondence from cabinet and political staff.

The government has already denied an access request for preliminary results from the Alberta Next surveys, citing provisions of the ATIA. This has led to further scrutiny from McLeod, who is seeking clarity on whether the government continues to impose these practices under the new law. She has warned that additional investigations may be necessary.

McLeod previously indicated that the changes under ATIA represent a setback for transparency in Alberta. The new law limits access to information, which she argues undermines the public's ability to hold the government accountable. As she stated in her May report, access to information is essential for individuals to exercise their democratic rights, and accountability is crucial for good governance.

The recent backlash over the expense disclosure policy highlights a broader trend of diminishing transparency in the Alberta government. Many citizens may not file access to information requests, which could explain the government's perception that it can implement more restrictive measures without facing significant consequences. However, the need for greater transparency and accountability remains critical.