Global Affairs Canada (Re), 2021 OIC 26
The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) received nine complaints regarding Global Affairs Canada's (GAC) failure to respond to nine access requests within the statutory deadlines or taking unreasonable time extensions. GAC cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant factor impacting its ability to process these requests. Despite the challenges, GAC committed to providing a final response for all nine files by October 15, 2021. The Commissioner found all nine complaints to be well founded, indicating that GAC improperly delayed access to the requested information. This decision highlights the institution's obligation to meet timelines under the Access to Information Act, even when facing operational difficulties.
- 1Whether Global Affairs Canada failed to respond to access requests within the statutory deadlines
- 2Whether Global Affairs Canada took unreasonable time extensions for access requests
- Timeliness / deemed refusal: Complaints well founded
Complaint well founded
Global Affairs Canada failed to respond to the access requests within the statutory deadlines or took unreasonable time extensions, leading to a finding that the complaints were well founded.
Global Affairs Canada committed to providing a final response for each of the nine files by October 15, 2021.
- s.9(1) ATIA
This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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