Thread by @j_mcelroy

was not planning on reading a 72 page book tonight but i'm a sucker for punishment

The question to the government, if one remembers (I do! life was painful!) was simple:

- Did it collect #COVID19 data on a NEIGHBOURHOOD level on a weekly basis?

Seemed like basic information about a deadly pandemic the public would want to know.

So I asked.

Less than AN HOUR LATER, the BC Centre for Disease Control had a response: it didn't "produce a regular data file", but did once, and was balancing privacy concerns.

Which is not super satisfying, but a) was true, b) provided quickly.

You know, basic competent stuff.

The BC Centre for Disease Control communications person got a response from the Provincial Health Service Authority quickly — they could tell a reporter basic information about a deadly pandemic!

Now all that was left to do was get government signoff.

Five days pass.

While the BCCDC and the PHSA were okay allowing me know how basic data in a deadly pandemic was collected, the government did not approve that response.

I publish a story with what I have.

several internal emails are sent confirming that non-partisan health officials have not had their attempt to provide me information approved by the government communications apparatus

it's all very fun

11 days pass since I asked the straightforward question on whether the most transparent government in North America collects neighbourhood data.

I've received no response yet, but now deputy ministers and the deputy provincial health officer are trying to answer.

Very fun!

After more emails and back and forth, they seem ready to provide the data to me!

Unfortunately, under this government, pretty much every response about the pandemic requires approval from the very highest levels of power.

And "b" isn't on board.

Dr. Henry communicates her disapproval on May 5, 14 days after I first asked whether the government collects data about a global pandemic on a neighbourhood level.

On May 6, the Vancouver Sun publishes a leaked report with that very data.

vancouversun.com/news/local-new…

And that's where our story ends, as I alert the government to the fact the data has been leaked, and they start to plan a press conference.

In summary:

- The government does not allow non-partisan, arms length health departments to provide media straightforward information about a deadly pandemic without political approval

- This is a byzantine process that can last weeks with no clear outcome

- It sucks

Most of this was blindingly obvious for many, many months, but this was an illuminating look at how the sausage gets made.

Or more accurately, doesn't.

Thanks (I think) to @ty_olsen for making this FOI request.

anyways time to find a beer