Employment and Social Development Canada (Re), 2022 OIC 33
The complainant alleged that Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) improperly withheld information related to a contract for an Access to Information consultant. ESDC claimed exemptions for personal information, financial impact on third parties, consultations or deliberations, solicitor-client privilege, and restrictions by other laws. The Information Commissioner found that ESDC improperly withheld information concerning the consultant's job duties and experience, some third-party financial details, and certain accounts of deliberations. The Commissioner ordered ESDC to disclose this information and to re-evaluate consent for some personal information.
- Proper application of subsection 19(1) (personal information)
- Proper application of paragraph 20(1)(c) (financial impact on third party)
- Proper application of paragraph 21(1)(b) (accounts of consultations or deliberations)
- Reasonable exercise of discretion for exemptions
Complaint well founded — Disclosure ordered
The Commissioner found that ESDC failed to properly apply exemptions for personal information, third-party financial impact, and consultations or deliberations, and ordered the release of specific records.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The Commissioner ordered ESDC to disclose specific information that was improperly withheld and to determine whether consent for release exists for certain personal information.
- s.19(1) ATIA
- s.20(1)(c) ATIA
- s.21(1)(b) ATIA
- s.23 ATIA
- s.24(1) ATIA
- s.36.1 ATIA
This decision is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.