3213-01488 — Library and Archives Canada and RCMP Security Service

The complainant alleged that Library and Archives Canada (LAC) improperly withheld information regarding a 1989 RCMP Security Service briefing on Hugh George Hambleton, citing national security exemptions. The Information Commissioner found that much of the information was already in the public domain, including details of Hambleton's espionage activities and parliamentary discussions. LAC failed to prove that disclosing the remaining information would reasonably be expected to cause harm, making the complaint well-founded.

• Whether the withheld information met the criteria for the national security exemption under subsection 15(1) of the ATIA.
• Whether the institution met its burden of proof to demonstrate potential harm from disclosure.
• The impact of publicly available information on the claim of a national security exemption.