Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld is criticizing the B.C. government after overnight debate.
MLAs at the B.C. Legislature sat until nearly 4 a.m. Thursday debating Bill 9, which proposes changes to the province’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The B.C. Conservatives say the legislation threatens government transparency and public access to information.
The Conservatives attempted to delay the bill by introducing a hoist motion, which would have postponed the legislation for six months.
Neufeld said the delay would have allowed more time for lawmakers to review and correct what Conservatives describe as significant problems within the bill.
However, the NDP government voted down the motion before ending debate and advancing the legislation.
Among the proposed changes, the bill would give the B.C. Privacy that are deemed abusive or that would slow down operations.
Neufeld said moving ahead with the legislation raises concerns about accountability and transparency within government.
“This is about making sure British Columbians still have proper access to information from their government,” Neufeld said.
The debate also drew attention after two former B.C. Conservatives now sitting as Independents, Amelia Boultbee and Elenore Sturko, voted with the NDP government to advance the bill.
The pair faced criticism from former colleagues, who accused them of helping the government push the legislation forward.
Both MLAs defended their decision, saying they reviewed the bill on its merits and plan to continue examining it during committee discussions before third reading.
Critics of the bill argue the changes could make it more difficult for the public and media to obtain government records, while the province says the legislation is intended to modernize and streamline the freedom of information system.
With files from The Canadian Press.