I didn't fully analyze the consequences that a lack of information might have on the principle of proactive disclosure. That's why I can't know what the outcome would be on democracy. This is obviously not a perfect situation and there are improvements to be made.
I would like to bring you back again to the provision on the purpose of the act. What I find very helpful in this provision is that the purpose of the act is to achieve the objectives I have mentioned to you, namely transparency, accountability and democracy. A link has been established between two mechanisms: formal requests for access to information under the Access to Information Act and proactive disclosure.
In addition, the formal access to information mechanism is very important, but it is not an end in itself. Indeed, it is a goal to achieve the true end, that of improving transparency, accountability and democracy. There are other ways to do this, such as proactive disclosure.
Lastly, is it desirable that the Prime Minister's Office and ministers' offices be subject to a formal mechanism? Yes, it is. However, the tool for requesting access under the formal access-to-information mechanism is not the only one that would lead our country to achieve the broader goals of accountability, transparency, and democratic life. Proactive disclosure is another legitimate way of achieving that.