Statement by the Deputy Minister of National Defence on the Access to Information Review Process

Statement

OTTAWA - Several recent media stories have claimed that the Department
of National Defence (DND) is blocking "any and all information about
Canada's mission in Afghanistan." This is not only inaccurate and misleading,
it also implies that Defence officials are somehow acting in bad faith.
Canadians
expect the Department and Canadian Forces to protect the security of Canadian
troops who are in harm's way, and to mitigate the risks they
face as much as possible. In addressing information requests, the Department
applies all appropriate procedures and Access to Information protocols; as
well, departmental processes are consistent with Treasury Board guidelines.
DND
has received hundreds of requests for operational information, including requests
for all operational plans, planning documents, tactical techniques and procedures,
and lessons learned. As a result of this unprecedented demand for sensitive
information, the Strategic Joint Staff was given responsibility to review recommended
severances in accordance with the standard Access to Information (ATI) process.
This review allows for operational oversight that ensures consistency in the
release of information; it does not constitute a change to the standard ATI
process in DND. This is being done for one reason and one reason alone: to
ensure there is no inadvertent release of information that could assist the
enemy and put Canadian, allied or Afghan lives at greater risk.
DND fully understands
its responsibilities under the Access to Information Act, and the importance
of providing appropriate information to the public. There must, however, be
a balance between our responsibility to make information available to the public
and our responsibility to protect the lives of our men and women in uniform.
The safeguarding of some information specific to the mission in Afghanistan
is fundamental to the safety of Canadian and Allied personnel.
-30-
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Mr. Ward P.D. Elcock, Deputy Minister of National Defence, has authorized
the release of this statement.

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2016-12-15

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Statement by the Deputy Minister of National Defence on the Access to Information Review Process

Statement

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