Data Subjects

In this special edition episode of our Data Subjects podcast, we revisit our Policing Info World conference. On May 23, 2019, we co-hosted a conference that explored the data behind crime, law enforcement, and surveillance. Along with department of criminology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the BC Civil Liberties Association, we heard from experts in law enforcement, academia, and the legal profession. As this was a full-day conference, this episode is very long. Please view the show notes on our website for a complete list of panels, panelists, and time codes. This conference wouldn't have been possible without the support of our sponsors: CUPE BC, News Media Canada, and Web exPress.

For the first episode of the podcast, we're looking back and trying to learn a lesson from history. Our story begins in 1990, two years before the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act becomes the law in British Columbia. It follows the dedicated individuals who advocated for, drafted, and ultimately brought about the new legislation that brings B.C. one step closer to achieving the ideal of open government. 

As we learned in the first episode, BC’s Freedom of Information laws ensure that public records belong to the public, which is a fundamental principle to our democracy. Citizens in a democratic nation must have a right of access to information about their government in order to make informed choices. But prior to 1992, we didn’t have these rights in BC. And now, we're at risk of losing them again due to something called information laundering.

The second episode of the podcast continues our exploration of BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. In it, we learn about how the original spirit and intent of the legislation has been lost over time. You'll hear from different experts on the subject and listen to discussions about how legislative reform can help to realign the Act with its original promise.