3217-00064 — Privy Council Office and Canadian Security and Intelligence Service and Global Affairs Canada and National Defence and Communications Security Establishment
The complainant alleged that the Privy Council Office (PCO) improperly withheld records from 1966 under exemptions related to confidential government information and international affairs/national security. The Information Commissioner found that PCO failed to justify withholding the information under these exemptions. PCO stated it would disclose most records but refused to implement the Commissioner's recommendation to release all withheld information, leading to a 'well-founded' decision.
- Proper application of subsection 13(1) ATIA (confidential information from government bodies)
- Proper application of subsection 15(1) ATIA (international affairs, national security, defence)
- Burden of proof on the institution to justify exemptions
- Reasonable expectation of harm from disclosure
Complaint well founded — disclosure ordered
The Commissioner concluded that the Privy Council Office did not meet the requirements for withholding information under subsections 13(1) and 15(1) of the Access to Information Act, finding that the institution failed to demonstrate a reasonable expectation of harm or that the information was obtained in confidence.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The Commissioner recommended that the Privy Council Office disclose the records in their entirety, with the exception of the names of Liaison Officers from other allied countries, and provide a new response within 60 business days.
- s.13(1) ATIA
- s.15(1) ATIA
- s.30(1)(a) ATIA
This decision is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.