This enactment amends the Access to Information Act to require each government institution to post on its website, or make accessible through it, all records composed in whole or in part of scientific research as soon as practicable following the conclusion of the research.

Preamble

Whereas the free pursuit of scientific knowledge is  a central pillar of a healthy democracy and a prosperous 21st-century society;

Whereas the dissemination of scientific research — a fundamental public good — is critical both for popular education and the furthering of knowledge;

Whereas there is no legitimate reason that research conducted by scientists of the Government of Canada should be withheld from the Canadian public;

Whereas the government of the day should not be allowed to dictate, based on partisan political considerations, which publicly funded science belongs in the public domain and which should be withheld;

And whereas the proactive, transparent and timely disclosure of research findings produced by Government of Canada scientists is best ensured through the enactment of a legal obligation;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

Access to scientific research

5.‍1 Subject to this Act, each government institution shall cause all records composed in whole or in part of scientific research, including any paper, report or analysis prepared by, or in collaboration with, the government institution, to be posted on its website, or made accessible through it, as soon as practicable following the conclusion of the research.