Criers were hired in medieval times to walk the streets and call for attention, then read out important news such as royal proclamations or local bylaws.
[7] One of the key focuses is placed on the streamlining and increased progress on departments proactively disclosing information on spending and human resources online.
The Government of Canada believes the proactive disclosure of information and self-service tools will strengthen the type of data being released.
The three things that must be published are the travel and hospitality expenses of specific government officials, contracts over $10,000 and when positions are reclassified.
[8] The Canadian system was put in place in a way that allows for digital record management and could be a step towards a full proactive disclosure model at the federal level.
The use of proactive disclosure at the federal level is seen within Natural Resources Canada, which has three web portals releasing raw data on subjects such as road networks, electoral boundaries, and topographic maps.
[5] These initiatives are focusing primarily on providing raw data proactively to fill an open government model.
The government has provided a web page to showcase the travel and hospitality expenses that occurred under the Treasury Board Secretariat by the President, Parliamentary Secretary and their exempt staff and senior level employees, such as deputy ministers and other equal levels.
[10] The proactive disclosure of this information is meant to highlight the agreements made under the National Joint Council in regards to the reimbursement of officials.
The website for the government sector will post document changes every three months, which includes new information or new contracts.
[12] This type of information release means that contracts must also stand up against the eyes of Canadians, as well as apply to other government policies and agreements.
They state that the website must release this information and meet the guidelines set out by the Treasury Board of Canada.