Federal (Canada) Privacy Decisions

Browse privacy decisions from Federal (Canada) — with AI-generated plain-language summaries for every ruling.

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Federal (Canada)Ontario British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Quebec Nova Scotia New Brunswick Prince Edward Island Newfoundland and Labrador

Federal (Canada)Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents ActEarly-resolved

Jun 5, 2004Early resolved case summary #1· Indexed Apr 12, 2026

Early resolved case summary #1: Access request ignored, but no personal information existed

A professional organization

A doctor complained that his access request to a professional organization for personal information was ignored. The organization confirmed they did not act on the request, but also stated that the presentation the information was to be used for was cancelled, meaning no personal information was collected or held. The complainant accepted this and the file was closed as early resolved.

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Outcome Notes

Federal rulings come from two regulators with different statutory authority — outcome filters cover both.

OIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding) — Since June 2019 (Bill C-58) the Information Commissioner can issue binding orders requiring disclosure or reconsideration. Enforceable after 31/41 business days unless reviewed by the Federal Court (s.41).

Well-Founded — finding that the complaint is well-founded. For OIC: ATIA s.37(1)(a) finding (may be paired with a s.36.1 order). For OPC: Privacy Act s.35(1) / PIPEDA s.13(1) advisory finding — recommendations only, no binding order-making power.

Not Well-Founded — no contravention found.

s.6.1 Application— the OIC's response to a head's application for authorization to refuse a frivolous, vexatious, or bad-faith access request. Granted = institution may refuse; Denied = institution must respond.

Settled / Resolved / Early-resolved — OPC matter resolved during or before formal findings without a contravention finding.

Declined to investigate / No jurisdiction — Procedural close (Privacy Act s.34, PIPEDA discretion, or scope outside the Acts).

References: ATIA s.36.1 · OPC disposition definitions

About This Archive

Breach of Privacy archives Canadian privacy decisions from federal, provincial, and territorial commissioners. Each decision includes an AI-generated plain-language summary. Always verify against the official source document.

Federal (Canada) Privacy Decisions

Early resolved case summary #1: Access request ignored, but no personal information existed

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Early resolved case summary #1: Access request ignored, but no personal information existed

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