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Decisions/Federal (Canada)/Privacy Act/Investigation into IRCC’s search for records using modified wording
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of CanadaPrivacy ActWell-founded
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Investigation into IRCC’s search for records using modified wording

Organization: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Decision: Sep 21, 2023Published: Sep 21, 2023

The complainant alleged that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) failed to disclose all records sought under the Privacy Act. The investigation found that IRCC did not initially conduct a reasonable search for records, particularly concerning visa cancellations and reissuing. However, IRCC subsequently expanded its search to include all relevant offices, and although no additional information was found, the OPC was satisfied that its obligations under the Act were met, resolving the complaint.

  • Reasonableness of IRCC's search for records.
  • Whether IRCC failed to disclose all responsive information.
  • Adequacy of IRCC's search scope and tasked offices.

Complaint well-founded and resolved

IRCC did not initially conduct a reasonable search for records as required by the Act. However, after the OPC's intervention, IRCC expanded its search to all appropriate offices and met its obligations, leading to the resolution of the complaint.

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Recommended action / remedy

IRCC was required to conduct a reasonable search for all responsive records, which it did following the investigation.

Statutory provisions cited
  • s. 22(1)(b) Privacy Act
  • s. 21 Privacy Act
  • s. 26 Privacy Act

This summary is informational only and not legal advice.