Ombudsman Tells AG to Release Public Legal Fee Records

The Office of the Ombudsman has weighed in on a Freedom of Information (FOI) dispute between social activist Jeremy Enriquez and the Attorney General’s Ministry.

Enriquez had requested details on how much of taxpayers’ money has been spent on legal fees for recent constitutional cases, including the names of attorneys hired.

The AG Ministry refused and cited exemptions under the FOI Act.

In response, Enriquez approached the Ombudsman, which has now completed a formal review. The office sent an official letter to the Attorney General outlining its findings, legal analysis, and recommendations.

The Ombudsman concluded that the requested document does not fall under exempt status and described it as a contractual agreement between the Government and a private service provider.

It further reminded the ministry that the Freedom of Information Act allows for partial disclosure when records contain both exempt and non-exempt information.

The Ombudsman recommended that the AG provide partial disclosure.

It remains unclear whether this guidance will be followed.