The Ontario government wants to keep Premier Doug Ford’s communications a secret.

That’s the news the province squeezed in this past Friday as it revealed plans to “modernize” freedom of information (FOI) laws. The changes would block journalists and members of the public from obtaining documents, emails, call logs and other details from the premier, cabinet ministers and parliamentary assistants.

How significant would these changes be? In a word: massive. The move would slam the door on investigative journalism that was possible in Ontario specifically because these records could be obtained through FOI requests in the province.

Here’s just a sampling of investigative reporting The Narwhal has published that relied on these records:

• Our investigations into the Greenbelt scandal, which eventually prompted the Ontario government to reverse course on its cuts to the protected area (and went on to win the most prestigious journalism prize in Canada)
• Our coverage of Enbridge, which revealed its close relationship with the Ontario government as it pushes a natural gas future
• Our reporting on the inner workings on Ontario’s efforts to push ahead with Ring of Fire mining roads

This moment is a reminder of why investigative journalism matters. And we need your support now more than ever: will you be one of 230 loyal readers who helps us meet our budget by joining as a monthly or yearly member? Every dollar you give goes straight toward paying our investigative journalists.

The Ontario government might not want you to know about how and why decisions are being made. But our journalists are relentless in their quest for the truth. It’s why we give our staff the time to build sources and develop beats so that even when governments try to lock us out, we have the contacts on the inside to allow us to continue holding elected officials accountable.

Freedom of information isn’t just under attack in Ontario. Federally, there’s a proposal to exempt “routine communications” from being subject to FOI requests, which could include all emails.

B.C. is plotting changes that would allow public bodies to reject FOIs they deem too broad or that would “interfere” with the work of government. And last year, the Alberta government passed a law allowing it to suppress more factual information, more often, and to release it more slowly.

I’m here to tell you these government efforts to keep information out of view only strengthen the resolve of The Narwhal’s journalists. But we need your help: we have to add 230 new members this month to make our budget work.

Will you step up today to help us break stories you won’t find anywhere else? Bonus: join at any recurring amount and you’ll get a Narwhal tote bag as our way of saying thanks.

The Narwhal’s reporters are telling environment stories you won’t read about anywhere else. Stay in the loop by signing up for our free weekly dose of independent journalism.