Library and Archives Canada (Re), 2022 OIC 17
The Information Commissioner initiated a systemic investigation into Library and Archives Canada's (LAC) delayed responses to access requests. The investigation found that nearly 80% of requests completed by LAC during the period under review did not meet legislative deadlines. The Commissioner made ten recommendations to the Minister of Canadian Heritage to address the systemic issues causing these delays, which include problems with inter-institutional consultations, lack of a declassification framework, insufficient infrastructure for processing classified records, and inadequate ATIP resources.
- LAC's failure to respond to access requests within legislative timeframes.
- Excessive delays caused by inter-institutional consultations.
- Lack of infrastructure and processes for handling classified records.
- Insufficient resources and funding for LAC's Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) office.
Complaint well founded
The investigation revealed that Library and Archives Canada (LAC) consistently failed to meet the statutory deadlines for responding to access to information requests, with a significant majority of requests being processed late. The Commissioner found that systemic issues including lengthy consultations, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient resources contributed to these delays, violating the Access to Information Act.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The Commissioner made ten recommendations to the Minister of Canadian Heritage to address the systemic issues causing delays, including improving consultation processes, developing a declassification framework, enhancing infrastructure for classified records, and increasing ATIP resources.
- s.4(2.1) ATIA
- s.7 ATIA
- s.9 ATIA
- s.10(3) ATIA
- s.39(1) ATIA
This decision is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.