5820-03525 — Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The complainant alleged that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) improperly withheld information regarding the total remuneration of its highest-paid unionized employees. The CBC claimed exemptions under paragraph 18(b) (competitive position) for specific salary figures. The Information Commissioner found that disclosing these exact salaries could indeed harm the CBC's competitive position in a limited market, and that the CBC reasonably exercised its discretion in withholding the information. Therefore, the complaint was found not well founded.
- Proper application of paragraph 18(b) of the Access to Information Act
- Reasonable expectation of harm to the institution's competitive position
- Reasonable exercise of discretion by the institution to withhold information
Complaint not well founded
The Information Commissioner found that the CBC had demonstrated a reasonable expectation of harm to its competitive position if the specific salary information was disclosed, and that the CBC had exercised its discretion reasonably in withholding the records.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
- s.18(b) ATIA
- s.19(1) ATIA
This is an informational summary only and does not constitute legal advice.