5820-03982 — Public Services and Procurement Canada
The complainant alleged that Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) obstructed their right of access by unduly delaying the processing of a request for COVID-19 pandemic contracts. The investigation found significant failures in PSPC's processing, including grouping requests incorrectly and poor record management by the office of primary interest, leading to a year-long delay. While the delay was found to be a failure to provide timely access, there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation of intent to conceal records.
- Timeliness of access request processing
- Obligation to assist requesters
- Allegations of obstruction and concealment of records
- Proper handling of access requests by offices of primary interest
Complaint well founded
PSPC failed to provide timely access to the requested records due to significant processing delays and mismanagement by its office of primary interest. Although the OIC investigated allegations of concealment, there was insufficient evidence to find an offence occurred under section 67.1 of the Act.
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The Commissioner found the complaint to be well-founded due to the institution's failure to provide timely access.
- s.4(2.1) ATIA
- s.67.1 ATIA
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