“It’s a question of public services,” said the NDP MP for Brossard-La Prairie Hoang Mai in an interview. “The government should not be playing games and hiding the truth from the people.”
Mai was reacting to a ruling by the government’s access to information and privacy office. The party submitted a request Aug. 9 for a copy of records submitted to ministers concerning the safety of the crumbling Champlain Bridge since July 1, 2010.
The office turned down the party’s request, invoking cabinet secrecy.
But Mai, who conceded they have no idea whether the safety reports are good or bad, said they should be public regardless.
Instead, the government and Transport Minister Denis Lebel have dug in their heels, he said.
The NDP has had no luck at the level of House of Commons committees either, Mai said.
“The Conservatives (on the committee) simply refuse without saying why,” Mai said. “We’ve been successful at pressing the government on the Champlain Bridge issue. We’re hoping it listens to reason.
“The government should release the information. They’re being dishonest with the population right now.”
The Gazette has had no luck getting copies of the bridge inspection reports either. In August the federal operator of the bridge rejected a Gazette access-to-information request for the 2010 inspection report.
The newspaper is appealing the ruling.
The federal government announced plans earlier this month to replace the aging bridge. No firm timeline for the project has been set out.
Origin
Source: Montreal Gazette
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