Bravo.

The ACA had the following to say in their letter:

The ACA is concerned that Bill C-19 contains provisions that explicitly override existing legislated
information management processes. The current disposition of records in the Firearms Registry is for destruction ten years after last administrative action. Further, Sections 12 and 13 of the Library and Archives of Canada Act (LAC Act) require written permission from the Librarian and Archivist of Canada to destroy records. However, sections 29 (1) (2) and (3) of the Ending the Long-gun Registry Act call for the destruction of records “as soon as possible” and that the LAC Act be ignored.

The ACA urges the government to trust the records management processes already enshrined in current legislation. The Firearms Registry records were scheduled according to business needs and to potential historical value by the creating department and professional archivists at Library and Archives Canada. These processes ensure accountability and transparency with regards to the destruction of government records. Destroying records for political expediency and disregarding the LAC Act sets a very dangerous precedent for future legislation and record keeping practices.

The ACA is an academic & professional association that has taken a stance on this important issue which is exactly in their mandate to do.  Excellent.

While it might seem obvious that they are records, yet this has been an ongoing debate among archivists and copyright advocates.  Here are some thoughts at least as it pertains to geospatial data:

The following definitions in the Library and Archives of Canada Act are relevant for geospatial information and databases (LAC Act, Definitions, pp. 1-2, and also p. 6 for recording):

• Documentary heritage: publications and records of interest to Canada.
• Government record: a record that is under the control of a government institution.
• Ministerial record: a record of a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada who holds the office of a minister and that pertains to that office, other than a record that is of a personal or political nature or that is a government record.
• Publication: any library matter that is made available in multiple copies or at multiple locations, whether without charge or otherwise, to the public generally or to qualifying members of the public by subscription or otherwise. Publications may be made available through any medium and may be in any form, including printed material, on-line items or recordings.
  • Record: any documentary material other than a publication, regardless of medium or form.
• Recording: anything that requires a machine in order to use its content, whether sounds, images or other information.

The LAC Act makes no specific reference to form, format or media, which means that geospatial data, databases and maps are considered to be government records, that may have documentary heritage qualities.  Record creators are therefore responsible for managing this content in the event that these records are to be accessioned by LAC. LAC’s responsibility is to advise, provide leadership, technical expertise, professional expertise and financial support to assist record creators and other federal geospatial information producers with preserving their records.

When archiving geospatial data, databases and maps, the Copyright Act must also be taken into consideration, as would licenses and access rights.  Geospatial data, databases and maps may fall within the following definitions in the Copyright Act:

• Artistic work: includes paintings, drawings, maps, charts, plans, photographs, engravings, sculptures, works of artistic craftsmanship, architectural works, and compilations of artistic works;
• Book: which is a volume or a part or division of a volume, in printed form, but does not include (a) a pamphlet, (b) a newspaper, review, magazine or other periodical, (c) a map, chart, plan or sheet music where the map, chart, plan or sheet music is separately published, and (d) an instruction or repair manual that accompanies a product or that is supplied as an accessory to a service;
• Collective Work:  which is  (a) an encyclopedia, dictionary, year book or similar work, (b) a newspaper, review, magazine or similar periodical, and (c) any work written in distinct parts by different authors, or in which works or parts of works of different authors are incorporated;
• Compilation: (a) a work resulting from the selection or arrangement of literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works or of parts thereof, or (b) a work resulting from the selection or arrangement of data but not the geospatial data itself…;
• Computer Program: which is a set of instructions or statements, expressed, fixed, embodied or stored in any manner, that is to be used directly or indirectly in a computer in order to bring about a specific result;
• Every original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work: includes every original production in the literary, scientific or artistic domain, whatever may be the mode or form of its expression, such as compilations, books, pamphlets and other writings, lectures, dramatic or dramatico-musical works, musical works, translations, illustrations, sketches and plastic works relative to geography, topography, architecture or science;
• Literary work: includes tables, computer programs, and compilations of literary works;

• Definition of “publication”: 2.2 (1) For the purposes of this Act, “publication” means (a) in relation to works, (i) making copies of a work available to the public

If any data, databases or maps are produced by an employee of the Federal Government, then copyright belongs to Her Majesty. Works created by the Federal Government of Canada can be licensed and  federal producers’ geospatial data, databases and maps are covered by many licenses.  However, there are no universal licenses for geospatial or any other data being used within the Government of Canada.

A digital map, a digital mapping dataset and a digital mapping database can be a record, a recording, a publication, part of a ministerial record and also be of documentary heritage as defined in the Act.  How these are classified is contingent on how it fits in a department or agency’s mandate and other digital mapping data producers’ business practices and how these are valued by the institution.  For instance the Atlas of Canada may be a publication, which is also a record that could also be considered to be of documentary heritage.  The host institutions, the record creator, would appraise^[1] it as such, as would Atlas Stakeholders (e.g., school teachers) or potentially the Librarian and Archivist of Canada might do so.  How and when to capture snapshots of the Atlas, whether or not that is the best method to adopt, and when to accession^[2] it in the Archive is not yet determined, and would have to be discussed between LAC and the Atlas.  A host institution and LAC would then collaborate in deciding how the Atlas or any other geospatial dataset is to be made available to future generations of Canadians and how those future generations will view the them. The processes of appraising, how to manage, and how to preserve would be repeated for other datasets, databases and maps.

The TBS Standard on Geospatial Data is the only TB document that relates specifically to the geospatial information domain. Coming into effect in June 2009, the objective of this standard is “to support stewardship and interoperability of information by ensuring that departments access, use and share geospatial data efficiently and effectively to support program and service delivery”. While this standard does not explicitly reference digital information archiving and preservation, there is a linkage between it and LAC’s File Format Guidelines for Preservation and Long-term Access.  These guidelines recommend the same format as included in the TB standard (ISO TC 211 ISO 19115 Geographic Information – Metadata (NAP – Metadata) (North American Profile)) for preservation of and long term access to digital geospatial information held by government organizations.

A digital map, dataset or database could be a ministerial record if it formed part of a particular decision in that office. These digital objects, irrespective of their form, would then be a part of that particular ministerial record set.

For Archivists, specifically InterPARES I stated that five characteristics are required for a digital entity to be a record:

1. stable content and fixed form;
2. embedded action;
3. archival bond;
4. three persons (i.e. author, addressee, writer);
5. and an identifiable administrative and documentary context.

For some case studies, conducted by InterPARES II, particularly Cybercartographic Atlas of Antarctica (CS06)^[3] and VanMap (CS24)^[4], which are explicitly designed to allow for data to change and information to be added, this means that they are not or do not contain records in archival terms.  To become records, they must be fixed in time and space.  InterPARES 2, VanMap and San Diego Centre for Supercomputing have collaboratively designed a research study to determine whether it might be feasible to introduce fixity into the system by changing the system’s architecture so that each time a layer is updated the layer is saved and set aside. This would allow composite views of VanMap to be assembled for any given date, consisting of layers that had been saved on that date or most recently prior to that date.^[5]  This is however a far from perfect solution and is both expensive and beyond the capacity of most institutions creating and using these dynamic products.

One of the most serious problems in this respect is that for most geospatial data creators the term “record” means data, databases, and related information.  For many archivists, these are not considered records except in very special and limited circumstances, where the concept of “bounded variability”^[6] may be applied.  This is not simply a matter of semantics.  It is a fundamental difference in perspective between creators and preservers, compounded by the emergence in all disciplines of ephemeral interactive information which exists only in cyberspace.  This is particularly the case for many of the InterPARES 2 Case Studies (like the Cybercartographic Atlas and VanMap) which are interactive, experiential and dynamic.  Duranti and Thibodeau argue that

interactions between humans and computer systems, experiences enabled or mediated by experiential systems, and processes which are carried out with at least some degree of spontaneity by dynamic systems are not the residue of action. They are not means of remembering either what was done or what is to be done. In short, they are not records.^[7]

This archival position is entirely defensible from the perspective of the theory of diplomatics[8] but is problematic in many scientific situations, such as for computational data where a model or a simulation is the primary result.  The nature of the “record” is changing dramatically and traditional archival science will have to adapt to these changes in both theoretical and practical terms if they are to preserve this new information environment in the archives of the twenty first century.

Who manages and preserves these then?

Although the problems and challenges of archiving these dynamic data sets and digital artifacts are being identified, the institutional environment is often not conducive to the systematic action required to address the problem.  For example Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is not ready to systematically archive born digital geospatial data, databases and maps let alone complex artifacts such as the Atlas of Canada.

Currently, there are a few LAC guidelines for cartographic material, but these are general in nature and primarily address paper maps.  The 2006 LAC  Managing Cartographic, Architectural and Engineering Records in the Government of Canada^[8] made only passing reference to digital maps such as “the National Archives acquires geomatic systems” and “geomatic records include geomatic systems, discs, CD-ROMs and other cartographic material in electronic formats” (LAC 2006a).  This has since been updated^[9]; however, the focus remains primarily on paper content and digitized paper content. The 2011 document still refers the reader to the 2001 Canadian Committee on Archival Description (CCAD) Rules for Archival Description Chapter 5^[10] for information pertaining to standards and practices for cartographic records.  The Rules primarily address paper maps while general issues pertaining to digital databases and programs are covered in the 2003 Chapter 9: Records in Electronic Form^[11].  While both of the CCAD documents are designed for archivists who manage these records, these documents could be useful references for government record managers.

The LAC Local Digital Format Registry (LDFR) File Format Guidelines for Preservation and Long-term Access Version 1.0^[12] includes Geospatial guidelines.  The Geospatial^[13] section recommends TC 211 ISO 19115 Geographic Information – Metadata (NAP– Metadata) (North American Profile). This is a dynamic document that will improve as knowledge grows and as digital geospatial data record creators and managers contribute to it. While these documents are lauded as a good start, they fall short of adequate guidelines for the kind of digital geospatial artifacts discussed in the InterPARES 2 Case Studies, the portals in the InterPARES 2 General Study on Data Portals.

My understanding is, that the Gun Registry, as it is familiarly known, or the Canadian Firearms Information System is an official government record that cannot arbitrarily be destroyed.  Below I provide references to Acts, Regulations, Directives and Policies that support that perspective.  However, at the bottom you will find reference to proposed Bill C-19, and you will discover that this Bill aims to override all of these.  Is it constitutional for a government to create an Act to go against its own Acts, Regulations and policies?

Normally, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has the final say on whether or not a database or record can be destroyed (see slide #3) as LAC is:

accountable for the final decisions about what gets kept and what gets deleted

And that statement is legally grounded in the  Library and Archives Act:

Destruction and disposal

12. (1) No government or ministerial record, whether or not it is surplus property of a government institution, shall be disposed of, including by being destroyed, without the written consent of the Librarian and Archivist or of a person to whom the Librarian and Archivist has, in writing, delegated the power to give such consents.

To implement the law and follow the regulations the Multi-Institutional Disposition Authorities (MIDA), were created to direct when and how records are destroyed, and it is not arbitrary:

Under the Library and Archives of Canada Act (2004), Library and Archives Canada (LAC) Canada is charged with various responsibilities regarding the disposal of this information, including the authorization of records destruction by government institutions (Section 12) and the preservation of records for their archival or historical importance (Section 13).

…

The Multi-Institutional Disposition Authorities (MIDA) in this collection are issued by the Librarian and Archivist to provide direction to government institutions subject to the Library and Archives of Canada Act regarding the disposal of records managed by all or a multiple number of government institutions. They are designed to eliminate the need for government institutions individually to prepare submissions for and negotiate agreements with the Librarian and Archivist for records which have similar administrative or operational status.

The Canadian Firearms Registry, which includes the Canadian Firearms Information System, is part of Canadian Firearms Program of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) which is a Schedule I government organization according to the Access Information Act which means it would fall under Disposition rules and LAC ACT which states that:

The disposal of records managed by government institutions occurs under the Library and Archives of Canada Act. A government institution is subject to the Library and Archives of Canada Act if it is listed in Schedule I of the Access to Information Act or in the Schedule to the Privacy Act. (see MIDA)

The Treasury Board Policy on Information Management states, keeping in mind this is a policy not a directive, a regulation nor an act, but does say some nice things, not necessarily accompanied with budgets on the management of records:

3.1 Information is an essential component of effective management across departments. The availability of high-quality, authoritative information to decision makers supports the delivery of programs and services, thus enabling departments to be more responsive and accountable to Canadians.

Managing information and records using a whole-of-government approach where legislation permits, supports managers’ ability to transform organizations, programs and services in response to the evolving needs of Canadians. While information management encompasses records, as well as documents, data, library services, information architecture, etc., records and their management are mentioned at key points in the policy for the purpose of emphasis. Integrating information management considerations into all aspects of government business enables information to be used and recognized as a valuable asset. All these activities are indicative of a culture that values information.

The Treasury Board Directive on Information Management Roles and Responsibilities. refers back to the LAC Act regarding disposition:

9.2.5 issues records disposition authorities, pursuant to section 12 of the Library and Archives of Canada Act, to enable departments to carry out their records retention and disposition plans;

It would seem that there are Acts, Regulation, Policies and Directives that lean toward not being able to destroy the Gun Registry.

There are however some items in the current  Firearms Act that allow for the registrars to destroy some data in the registry under some prescribed conditions:

84. The Registrar may destroy records kept in the Canadian Firearms Registry at such times and in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

Not to be a stickler, but it does not say all of the records.   And under Other Records of the Registrar the Firearms Act states under 85. that:

Destruction of records

(3) The Registrar may destroy any record referred to in subsection (1) at such times and in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

In addition, Chief Firearms Officers 87. (1) A chief firearms officer shall keep a record of

(a) every licence and authorization that is issued or revoked by the chief firearms officer;

(b) every application for a licence or authorization that is refused by the chief firearms officer;

(c) every prohibition order of which the chief firearms officer is informed under section 89; and

(d) such other matters as may be prescribed.

Destruction of records

(2) A chief firearms officer may destroy any record referred to in subsection (1) at such times and in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

However, According to the Firearms Records Regulations, there are some pretty explicit instructions as to when a record can be destroyed:

4. (1) Subject to subsection (2), for the purpose of section 84 of the Act, a record kept in the Canadian Firearms Registry shall not be destroyed until after the expiration of 10 years after the date of the last administrative action taken regarding the information in the record.

(2) A record, kept in the Canadian Firearms Registry under paragraph 83(1)(a) of the Act, of a registration certificate that is issued or revoked shall not be destroyed.

5. For the purpose of subsection 87(2) of the Act, a record kept by a chief firearms officer shall not be destroyed until after the expiration of 10 years after the date of the last administrative action taken regarding the information in the record.

6. (1) Despite section 5, the following records shall not be destroyed until after the death of the individual in respect of whom they are kept:

(a) the record attesting to the fact that the individual has met the requirements of section 7 of the Act, including the date and place of any course or test; and

(b) records of every certification issued under paragraph 7(4)(a) of the Act.

(2) Despite sections 4 and 5, records of prohibition orders kept under paragraph 87(1)(c) of the Act and records of information concerning prohibition orders made under section 147.1 of the National Defence Act shall not be destroyed until after the death of the individual in respect of whom the record is kept unless the individual meets the requirements of subsection 7(3) of the Act.

To summarize, the Firearms Act permits the destruction of some records in the Canadian Firearms Information System under certain circumstances and these are stipulated in the act.  Data can be destroyed but not arbitrarily, not the entire database,  and it should be deposited at Library and Archives Canada.

Bill C-19 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act is however proposing to override all those good laws, regulations, directives, and policies with the following:

29. (1) The Commissioner of Firearms shall ensure the destruction as soon as feasible of all records in the Canadian Firearms Registry related to the registration of firearms that are neither prohibited firearms nor restricted firearms and all copies of those records under the Commissioner’s control.

(2) Each chief firearms officer shall ensure the destruction as soon as feasible of all records under their control related to the registration of firearms that are neither prohibited firearms nor restricted firearms and all copies of those records under their control.

(3) Sections 12 and 13 of the Library and Archives of Canada Act and subsections 6(1) and (3) of the Privacy Act do not apply with respect to the destruction of the records and copies referred to in subsections (1) and (2).

It is in this fine print that we need to be watchful of this Government, as it is making rules to abolish a program and destroy records and it is trying to do so legally or at least using legal means to do so.  DATA seems to really be a FOUR LETTER word for this Government, they do not like the census, they do not use data to support their policies such as building jails, and they do not really like accountability, since in the end data help citizens assess and evaluate how their governments are doing.

No record, no way of evaluating!

Thanks to those who pointed to resources from CARTA, CivicAccess list, Twitter and CAPDU List.