Canadian Heritage (Re), 2020 OIC 10
The Information Commissioner investigated a complaint that Canadian Heritage (PCH) had suspended processing access requests due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PCH was unable to access its premises or systems from March 16, 2020, to July 10, 2020, resulting in a backlog of 224 requests. The Commissioner found the complaint well-founded, stating PCH's failure to respond breached requesters' rights under the Act.
- Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on processing access requests
- Institution's ability to access premises and remote systems
- Failure to respond to access requests within statutory timelines
Complaint well founded
The institution's failure to respond to 224 access requests was not due to circumstances specified in subsection 9(1) of the Act, and therefore breached the requesters' rights of access.
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The Commissioner made six recommendations to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, who agreed to implement corrective measures.
- s.30(1)(f) ATIA
- s.9(1) ATIA
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