September 28, 2006 is international Right to Know Day. This annual event celebrates the right of individual access to information held by public bodies, and the benefits of transparent, accessible government.

The week of September 25 - 29, 2006 is being marked in most Canadian provinces as Right to Know Week. In Manitoba, Right to Know Week is being noted in several ways. Manitoba Ombudsman is helping to provide information on right to know events hosted by organizations and communities recognizing this fundamental democratic right.

Events in Manitoba

Friday, September 22, 2006, Winnipeg

Panel Discussion	Opening Up Government: Your Right to Know A Panel on Access to Information
Where	Portage Place Shopping Centre, Edmonton Court 393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg
Time	12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Moderator:	Tom Brodbeck, The Winnipeg Sun
Panelists:	Adrienne Batra, Canadian Taxpayers Federation (Manitoba) Alison Crawford, CBC Irene Hamilton, Manitoba Ombudsman Heather McLaren, Director, Manitoba Health
Contact:	Gail Perry, Manager, Research/Education, Manitoba Ombudsman Tel. 982-9139 (Winnipeg); 1-800-665-0531 (toll free in Manitoba)
Sponsors:	Canadian Association of Journalists (Manitoba Chapter) Canadian Taxpayers Federation (Manitoba) Manitoba Bar Association Manitoba Ombudsman Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba

Thursday, September 28, 2006, Winnipeg

Bear-Pit Session	Government Secrecy vs. The Public’s Right to Know: Where do the Political Parties Stand on Access to Information?
Where:	Winnipeg Press Club Lower Level, Ramada Marlborough Hotel 331 Smith Street, Winnipeg
Time:	7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2006
Moderator:	Janet Stewart, News Anchor CTV
Guest:	Jon Singleton, F.C.A., former Manitoba Auditor General
Panelists:	Hon. Gord Mackintosh for the New Democratic Party Mr. Hugh McFadyen, Leader, Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba Hon. Jon Gerrard, Leader, Manitoba Liberal Party
Contact:	Janet Fowler, Winnipeg Press Club, Tel. 957-1188
Sponsors:	Canadian Association of Journalists (Manitoba Chapter) Canadian Taxpayers Association of Canada (Manitoba) Consumers' Association of Canada (Manitoba) Manitoba Bar Association Manitoba Library Association Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba Winnipeg Press Club

Announcements

The Government of Manitoba has proclaimed September 25 to 29 as Right to Know Week in Manitoba. PDF copies of the proclamation are available in English and in French.

The Mayor of Thompson has proclaimed September 25 to 29 as Right to Know Week in that Manitoba city (proclamation in PDF format). Thompson is the first government body in the province to announce that it is marking Right to Know Week in this way.

Other Manitoba jurisdictions will be recognizing Right to Know in the coming weeks. Additional information will be posted on this website as it comes available.