Information watchdog calls for more investigations

Canada’s information watchdog says she needs more resources to handle a flood of complaints about the Harper government withholding documents.

Suzanne Legault says her office has seen a surge in complaints from people and agencies requesting documents under the Access to Information Act. She says the government is increasingly citing security reasons for withholding or heavily censoring documents.

Legault has asked Treasury Board President Tony Clement to allow her more investigators who have special security clearance to probe these complaints. Clement’s office, which oversees the Access to Information system, says it can’t comment on Legault’s request, citing confidentiality.