"I was very surprised to learn yesterday that government has revamped the office of the ATIPC in a way that lessens its importance," says Mr. Parsons. "Mr. Wayne Mitchell was an independent commissioner that was accepted by all three parties in the House of Assembly last year. For government to remove Mr. Mitchell in such a round about way is disappointing and surprising.

"This position was created to ensure government accountability and provide an appeal mechanism to the public when trying to obtain information. It is unfortunate that this administration, who stated they would be an open, transparent and accountable government, have decided to tamper with this office and its overall effectiveness. Instead of having an effective full-time person dedicated to looking after complaints, the public should now expect long delays in having their concerns addressed. The ramifications of this decision will be realized when government decides to proclaim the Access to Information Act.

"I also find it very strange that the Minister of Justice is discussing budget issues related to this office. The ATIPC reports to the House of Assembly and the office budget is administered by the House of Assembly. Unless the Department of Justice is trying to manipulate this office to be another division of the department, these decisions should be discussed by all Members of the House of Assembly and brought before the legislature.

"I am asking the Minister of Justice to explain why these changes were not brought back to the legislature for discussion? Will Members of the House of Assembly be consulted to ensure the new watered down office is independent from political influence? What constitutes a part-time job and what will happen to the numerous complaints that the office will receive? These are issues that must be addressed by the minister before moving forward in such a unilateral and haphazard fashion with this decision.

"This government is altering the office of the ATIPC under the guise of budget restraints. It is unfortunate that the minister is sacrificing an important and valuable initiative. I ask the premier and the minister to reconsider the changes to this office before they proclaim the Access to Information Act."