IRB Inc. Publication Program

Many reports arising from the IRB Inc. research program have their origins in research undertaken prior to the start of the publications program. As a result, it is appropriate to begin the publications page by Section A, which provides links to a selection of background productions for orientation purposes.

The page then provides links to publications produced as part of the IRB Inc. research program, 2019-present, as follows: 

  • Section B, new reports;
  • Section C, special reports; and
  • Section D, reports on topics that involve pilot studies and other kinds of studies of an extended nature leading to multiple productions.

Section A. Background Productions

A number of publications pertinent to the creation and mission of the Information Research Board (IRB) Inc. are posted on various  websites, including Wellar Consulting Inc., Slideshare, and URISA. Links to selected publications are included here for readers wishing to have an overview of investigations behind the derivation and direction of the IRB Inc. research and publications programs.

Section B. New Reports

The primary landing place for all IRB reports is Section C or Section D, but Section B serves the purpose of providing a quick answer to the question, ‘What’s new?” As a rule, the intention is to limit entries in Section B to the latest productions, with emphasis on signalling recent and current research activities.

Section C. Special Reports

Section D. Pilot Study Reports

Reports in this section present the results of pilot study investigations that may be of several years’ duration. The first notice of publication on a possible pilot study topic will appear in Section B, New Reports. The initial investigation with its emphasis on research questions, research issues, research design, research precedents, etc., generally serves a pre-test function, and may morph into a pilot study. However, if prior research has already been undertaken, such as that identified in Section A, Background Productions, then the research program will proceed on the basis that the research design is that of a pilot study.

To date, three pilot study projects have been launched. Links to the pilot study lead and investigative reports are as follows.

I. Transparency and Accountability Project

Publications from this investigation into the state of public access to public records in Canada include interim reports, as well as a final report.

II. Police Reform Project

Publications from this investigation into the need for police reform include interim reports, as well as a final report. Consistent with the pillars that define the purpose of the Information Research Board, the focus of this investigation is on citizens having free, easy, timely, and direct online access to police service records, and those of Ottawa Police Service in particular.

III. Rulings by Canada’s Legislative Assembly Speakers on ‘Misinformation’

This project is a follow-on to the Special Report, The inescapable Truth about Disinformation and Misinformation? They have NOTHING at all to do with Information.

As a result of the term ‘misinformation’ being the subject of a ruling in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, the IRB Inc. research program was modified to accommodate the pilot study, Investigating the Rulings on ‘Misinformation’ in Canada’s Legislative Assemblies.