The case studies confirm what is already known, that public demand for greater disclosure and accountability has created support for increased transparency in government decision making. However, the case studies show that proprietary information provisions may present barriers to transparency and collaboration between stakeholders and government. Finding the middle ground between a company's right to protect its competitive advantage and the public's right to know can be difficult for government departments. Ensuring the public and stakeholders get useful, understandable and timely information is a real challenge. Greater access to information can help broaden understanding of actions on environment and health issues, and may lessen resistance to implementation of a policy decision.
Scientific data is important to policy making.
The ability to generate and manage scientific data that support policy development is a major issue that surfaced in all case studies. The importance of credible, relevant scientific research is universally acknowledged, yet the capacity to conduct and use scientific research is changing at all levels of government, in Canada and around the world. Resource constraints, organizational restructuring, cost-recovery and globalization are just a few of the influencing factors. Technology advancement, global trade and shifting public concerns are underscoring the need for governments to maintain a constant vigil when it comes to health and environment issues. Globalization, international trade and competitiveness, and technology advancement are among the many forces influencing Canada's policy and research priorities.