5820-01615 — Department of Finance Canada and Privy Council Office and Employment and Social Development Canada

The complainant alleged that the Department of Finance Canada (Finance) failed to respond to an access to information request within the statutory time limits. The request, submitted on July 22, 2020, sought records related to a backgrounder on COVID-19 support for students. Although Finance sought clarifications, it did not claim an extension, and the due date was October 16, 2020. The investigation revealed that the delay was primarily due to Finance's internal Federal-Provincial Relations and Social Policy Branch failing to provide records to the ATIP office in a timely manner. The Commissioner found that Finance was deemed to have refused access under subsection 10(3) of the Act due to the prolonged delay. The Commissioner ordered Finance to provide a final response forthwith, and Finance agreed to implement the order.