Nova Scotia premier says changes likely to controversial freedom of information bill – Halifax [Video]

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says there will likely be changes to legislation that the province’s freedom of information commissioner says weakens the public’s right to access government records and documents.

Houston made the comments during question period on Wednesday, but did not provide specifics.

Days earlier, the government withdrew amendments from the same omnibus bill that would have allowed his government to fire the auditor general without cause, amid rising public criticisms of the legislation.

On Wednesday, in response to a question from the Opposition leader, Houston said information commissioner Tricia Ralph asked for changes “and I’m sure we will proceed with that.”

Houston said he had a discussion Tuesday with Ralph, whose term ends on Friday.

“The commissioner reached out, the commissioner sent a letter and outlined some amendments and tweaking and that’s the way the process works … we have the courage to listen to Nova Scotians,” …