CANADA
The head of the Canadian Province of Ontario’s Public Service has warned officers against leaking information to journalists after two major initiatives appeared in print before they were officially announced.
Cabinet Secretary, Steve Orsini (pictured) called the leaks “breaches of confidence” in a memo to Deputy Ministers (Heads of Departments) and said those who had leaked would be “dealt with effectively”.
The Toronto Star reported that Ontario Premier, Doug Ford would slash the size of Toronto City Council and the Globe and Mail ran a story on Government plans to privatise cannabis sales.
Mr Orsini said the Government would investigate the leaks with an internal audit and planned to strengthen security processes.
“While I have every confidence in the Public Service, we must also be mindful that we are in privileged positions as Public Servants,” Mr Orsini said.
He said that privilege carries immense responsibility.
“I ask that you remind employees that we have all taken, and are legally bound, by an oath of allegiance to the Crown and an oath to maintain the confidentiality of any information or documents that come into our possession as members of the Public Service,” Mr Orsini said.
After the story appeared that Mr Ford was going to cut Toronto’s Council by nearly half, the Government hastily organised a press conference to announce the news.
So far, no formal information has been provided by Mr Ford’s Government about possible changes to cannabis sales.
Deputy Premier, Christine Elliott told reporters she would not speculate on what consequences there would be if the people who leaked the stories were found.
“There’s no indication yet as to what actually happened, and I understand that people are doing their jobs,” Ms Elliott said.
“We’ll see what happens as a result of the investigation.”
Interim Opposition Leader, John Fraser said Mr Ford’s memo sent a chill through the Public Service and put the Government on a slippery slope.
Toronto, 3 August 2018
