Madison Olynyk (University of Victoria) , Walter Lepore (University of Victoria) , Evert Lindquist (University of Victoria)
Few observers are aware that three Canadian governments publicly shared the transition documents prepared by their respective public services in anticipation of the election of new governments. This seems an exceptional development by Canadian standards. In addition to drawing attention to this sharing of information, this paper seeks to compare the accessibility and content of the transition documents recently shared by the governments of British Columbia, Manitoba, and Canada from 2020 and 2022. This paper will consider the relevance of and function of these documents with respect to accountability vs. raising general awareness of the challenges and complexity awaiting new governments. It will also consider whether publishing transition documents make up for the precipitous decline in the quality of reporting on the structure and programs of departments, ministries, and agencies. Finally, we consider whether this practice is sustainable and ought to be diffused to other governments.