June 14, 2012 - 6:36 AM
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador's politicians have taken a break after three straight nights of marathon debates about a bill that changes the access-to-information law.
A spokeswoman for the NDP caucus says the debate over Bill 29 ended at about 1 a.m today when the government house leader told legislators he will invoke closure.
Jean Graham, the party's communications director, says the opposition members will return to the legislature when it resumes sitting at about 1:30 p.m.
The bill introduced by the majority Tory government includes expanded cabinet secrecy provisions, and it bars the auditor general from a broader range of records.
The contentious bill, which passed second reading Tuesday, would also block release of ministerial briefings, increase fees and allow ministers to reject information requests as "frivolous'' or "vexatious.''
The government says the legislation respects the need for transparency while clarifying the right to information and protecting personal details.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012