Access at issue: The challenge of accessing our collective memory
The Information Commissioner initiated a systemic investigation into Library and Archives Canada (LAC) due to consistently delayed responses to access requests over several years. The investigation found that nearly 80% of requests completed by LAC during the period under review did not meet the timeframes stipulated by the Access to Information Act. The Commissioner made ten recommendations to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and subsequently tabled a special report in Parliament highlighting issues at LAC and broader challenges within the access to information system.
- Timeliness of access to information requests
- Consultation processes between institutions
- Lack of a government-wide declassification framework
Systemic investigation found Library and Archives Canada's response times were not compliant with the Act.
The investigation found that a significant majority of access requests handled by Library and Archives Canada exceeded the statutory time limits, indicating a systemic failure to comply with the Act's provisions.
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The Commissioner made ten recommendations to address the systemic delays in responding to access requests.
- s.30(1)(f) ATIA
- s.39(1) ATIA
This is an informational summary only and does not constitute legal advice.