5820-03982 — Public Services and Procurement Canada

The complainant alleged that Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) improperly processed an access request for a list of COVID-19 related contracts, specifically claiming the institution concealed records. The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) investigated the processing of the request, noting that a separate investigation had already found PSPC's delay in responding to be well-founded. This investigation focused on whether PSPC obstructed the right of access by concealing records. The OIC found that PSPC's internal processes, such as grouping requests and issues with obtaining records from the office of primary interest (OPI), led to significant delays. While acknowledging serious failures in processing, the Commissioner found no evidence of intent to conceal records or commit an offense under section 67.1 of the Act. The complaint was ultimately found to be well founded due to PSPC's failure to provide timely access and assist the requester.