Right to Know Week 2017

Date

September 25, 2017 00:00 - October 1, 2017 23:59

Location

Across Canada

Details

Website: http://www.oic-ci.gc.ca/rtk-dai-eng/accueil-home.aspx

Hashtag: #RTK2017

The purpose of Right to Know is to raise awareness of an individual’s right to access government information, while promoting freedom of information as essential to both democracy and good governance.

International Right to Know Day originated in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2002. During an international meeting of access to information advocates, it was proposed that September 28 be dedicated to the promotion of freedom of information worldwide. Representatives of Freedom of Information (FOI) organizations from 15 countries took part – Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, India, Latvia, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, and USA, as well as representatives of international organizations active in the FOI field.

Since then, the popularity and scope of Right to Know Day has grown immensely. In Canada, for example, Right to Know celebrations have expanded into a week-long event coast to coast. Right to Know Week events consist of conferences and panel discussions, workshops and seminars, the tabling of special reports and studies on access to information, as well as presenting awards in recognition of those who support access to information rights.