Ontario's freedom-of-information law blocks health minister records

Ontario's new and more restrictive freedom-of-information laws have quashed another request, this time for documents that may have given a glimpse into potential hospital cuts. More than 70 per cent of Ontario hospitals are forecasting deficits, and Health Minister Sylvia Jones has told them to come up with three-year plans to balance their budgets. Any "low risk" cost-saving moves with no or "minimal" front-line reductions should be made immediately, Jones' ministry told hospitals, while "high risk" moves remain under review.