A breakdown of all money paid or owed to external legal firms such as Smith Lyons etc. related to the Walkerton Inquiry and the government’s defence against the class-action suit arising out of the water disaster. Specific items sought include preparing the Premier for his testimony before said inquiry, billings related to the records search of the Premier’s office related to the inquiry; similar legal expenses for Cabinet ministers Brenda Elliott and Norm Sterling; and any and all other related legal expenses flowing from the tragedy.

Records responsive to your request have been located. These records are legal accounts and financial records and are subject to solicitor-client privilege. Accordingly, access is denied under section 19 of the Act as a ministry may refuse to disclose a record that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. In addition, access to a portion of these records is also denied under section 21 of the Act as a ministry shall refuse to disclose personal information where it constitutes an unjustified invasion of personal privacy.