5824-00645 — Shared Services Canada
The complainant alleged that Shared Services Canada (SSC) took an unreasonable amount of time to respond to an access request for records related to solicitation documents. The Information Commissioner found SSC's benchmark for processing records and its inclusion of anticipated delays from new ATIP Express software to be unreasonable. While acknowledging SSC's difficulties with the software, the Commissioner stressed that it should not impede access rights. The Commissioner found the extension to be unreasonable and ordered interim releases and a complete response by September 30, 2025.
- Reasonableness of extension of time to respond to access request under s. 9(1)(a) ATIA
- Impact of new ATIP software on processing times and access rights
- Application of s. 10(3) ATIA (deemed refusal)
Complaint well founded — disclosure ordered
The Commissioner found that SSC's benchmark for processing 500 pages per month was unreasonable given the circumstances. Furthermore, SSC's decision to factor in delays due to the implementation of new software was also deemed unreasonable, as such issues should not unduly affect a requester's access rights. As a result, the extension taken by SSC was found to be unreasonable.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
Shared Services Canada was ordered to provide interim releases every 3 months and a complete response to the access request no later than September 30, 2025.
- s. 9(1)(a) ATIA
- s. 9(1)(c) ATIA
- s. 10(3) ATIA
- s. 30(1)(c) ATIA
This decision is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.