New Rules for Government Information in Ontario

May 13, 2026, 12:54
CanadaPolitics

Introduction

The government of Ontario changed the laws about public information. Now, it is harder for people to see government records.

Main Body

The government passed Bill 97. Now, people cannot see the records of ministers and their assistants. This includes emails and files on private phones or computers. Local city offices also have new rules. People must use special words when they ask for information. If they do not use these words, the office can stop the request. Now, the government has more time to answer. They have 60 days instead of 30 days. Some experts say this is bad for security and privacy.

Conclusion

Ontario now has more secrets. It is more difficult for the public to get information from the government.

Learning

πŸ•’ Talking about Time Changes

Look at how we compare the old time and the new time in the text:

  • Old: 30 days
  • New: 60 days

The Pattern: [Number] + [Time Word] + instead of + [Number] + [Time Word]

Example from text: "60 days instead of 30 days"

How to use it in real life: If you want to change a meeting or a habit, use instead of. It is the easiest way to show a change.

β†’ I want coffee instead of tea. β†’ I will go on Tuesday instead of Monday. β†’ I need two weeks instead of one week.

🚫 The 'Cannot' Rule

In the story, it says: "people cannot see the records".

When you want to say something is forbidden or impossible for a beginner level, just use: Subject + cannot + Action

β†’ I cannot go. β†’ We cannot see. β†’ They cannot enter.

Vocabulary Learning

government (n.)
A group of people who make decisions for a country or city.
Example:The government announced new rules.
records (n.)
Written or electronic information about past events.
Example:She looked at the records.
ministers (n.)
Officials who run departments in government.
Example:The ministers met to discuss the bill.
assistants (n.)
People who help others.
Example:The assistants organized the files.
emails (n.)
Electronic messages sent over the internet.
Example:He sent an email to his friend.
phones (n.)
Devices used to talk or send messages.
Example:She used her phone to call her mother.
computers (n.)
Machines that process information.
Example:They checked the computers for errors.
city (n.)
A large town.
Example:The city council held a meeting.
offices (n.)
Places where people work.
Example:The offices were closed on holidays.
special (adj.)
Different from usual.
Example:He used special words to ask for information.
request (n.)
A formal ask.
Example:She made a request for a copy of the file.
security (n.)
Protection from danger.
Example:Security is important in large buildings.
privacy (n.)
Keeping personal information private.
Example:Privacy matters when using the internet.
secrets (n.)
Things kept hidden.
Example:The secrets were revealed after the investigation.
public (adj.)
Belonging to everyone.
Example:Public information is available to all citizens.