5824-01345 — Health Canada and Canadian Automobile Association and Canadian Institute of Planners

The complainant alleged that Health Canada improperly withheld information under subsection 19(1) and paragraph 20(1)(c) of the Access to Information Act concerning documents about the impact of campfires on air quality. During the investigation, the complainant withdrew the allegation regarding subsection 19(1). Health Canada had withheld names of third parties and short texts about them under paragraph 20(1)(c), claiming potential financial impact on third parties. The third parties, Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), were invited to make representations. The CAA opposed disclosure, citing "future risk" from misinformation, but provided no evidence of specific harm. The CIP stated disclosure would not cause it harm. The Commissioner found that the information did not meet the requirements of paragraph 20(1)(c) as there was no clear and direct connection between disclosure and a risk of harm beyond mere possibility. Health Canada agreed to disclose the information following an order from the Commissioner. The complaint was found to be well founded, and Health Canada was ordered to disclose the information.