3214-00380 — Library and Archives Canada

The complainant alleged that Library and Archives Canada (LAC) improperly withheld information under subsection 15(1) (national security) and subsection 19(1) (personal information) of the Access to Information Act. The request was for information concerning Soviet Bloc deception practices. LAC initially withheld the entire record but later released some information, continuing to withhold portions under subsection 15(1). The Information Commissioner found that LAC failed to demonstrate that the withheld information met the requirements of the exemption, noting that much of the subject matter was already in the public domain. The Commissioner recommended full disclosure, but LAC stated it would not implement the recommendation.

• Application of subsection 15(1) (national security) exemption
• Availability of information in the public domain
• LAC's failure to demonstrate potential harm from disclosure