Decisions/Federal (Canada)

Federal (Canada)

Federal (Canada) Privacy Decisions

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

282 decisions matching

Jurisdiction

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

Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActWell-founded

Jul 4, 20235821-05513· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

5821-05513 — Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The complainant alleged that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) improperly withheld information related to the export of beluga whales, citing personal information (subsection 19(1)) and confidential third-party commercial information (paragraph 20(1)(b)) exemptions. The OIC investigation focused on paragraph 20(1)(b) after the personal information aspect was removed from scope. DFO and the third party failed to demonstrate that the information met the criteria for confidentiality under paragraph 20(1)(b). Consequently, the Information Commissioner found the complaint well-founded and ordered DFO to disclose the records, excluding any information properly withheld under subsection 19(1). DFO indicated it would comply with the order.

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 30, 20235821-06633· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Transport Canada, 5821-06633

The OIC ordered Transport Canada to provide a complete response to the access request as soon as possible, but no later than the 76th business day following receipt of the final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 30, 20235820-03751· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Transport Canada, 5820-03751

The OIC ordered Transport Canada to provide a complete response to the access request on the 36th business day following the date of the final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 30, 20235822-02704· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Health Canada, 5822-02704

The OIC ordered Health Canada to provide a complete response to the access request on the 36th business day following the date of the final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 29, 20235821-06674· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Canada Border Services Agency, 5821-06674

The OIC ordered Canada Border Services Agency to provide a complete response to the access request as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 2023..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 28, 20235821-05728· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Library and Archives Canada, 5821-05728

The OIC ordered Library and Archives Canada to provide a complete response to the access request on the 36th business day following the date of the final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActNot well-founded

Jun 28, 20232023 OIC 24· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Library and Archives Canada (Re), 2023 OIC 24

Library and Archives Canada

The complainant alleged that Library and Archives Canada (LAC) took an unreasonable amount of time to grant a time extension for an access to information request. The request was for records related to access requests concerning 'Project Anecdote'. LAC claimed a 1,095-day extension under paragraphs 9(1)(a) and (b) of the Act, pushing the response deadline to June 20, 2025. The Information Commissioner found that LAC met all the requirements for this extension, deeming it valid.

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 27, 20235822-03705· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Global Affairs Canada, 5822-03705

The OIC ordered Global Affairs Canada to provide a complete response to the access request on the 36th business day following the date of the final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 27, 20235822-07946· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Public Safety Canada, 5822-07946

The OIC ordered Public Safety Canada to provide a complete response to the access request as soon as possible, but no later than August 28, 2023..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 22, 20235820-02276· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Privy Council Office, 5820-02276

The OIC ordered Privy Council Office to provide a complete response to the access request on the 36th business day following the date of the final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 22, 20235822-01566· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Library and Archives Canada, 5822-01566

The OIC ordered Library and Archives Canada to provide a complete response to the access request by March 1, 2024..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 22, 20235821-03220· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Library and Archives Canada, 5821-03220

The OIC ordered Library and Archives Canada to provide a complete response to the access request on the 36th business day following the date of the final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 22, 20235820-02280· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Privy Council Office, 5820-02280

The OIC ordered Privy Council Office to provide a complete response to the access request on the 36th business day following the date of the final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 22, 20235821-04462· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Library and Archives Canada, 5821-04462

The OIC ordered Library and Archives Canada to provide a complete response to the access request on the 36th business day following the date of the final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information ActOIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding)

Jun 21, 20235822-07629· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Public Safety Canada, 5822-07629

The OIC ordered Public Safety Canada to provide interim releases and a complete response to the access request as soon as possible, but no later than November 3, 2023..

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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.