Decisions/Federal (Canada)

Federal (Canada)

Federal (Canada) Privacy Decisions

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

368 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

Nov 4, 20245822-07530· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

5822-07530 — Privy Council Office

Privy Council Office

The complainant alleged that the Privy Council Office (PCO) did not conduct a reasonable search for records related to the review of the Canadian intelligence program between 1972 and 1975. The investigation found that PCO's initial search was not reasonable as not all relevant records were retrieved. Following the OIC's intervention, PCO conducted a subsequent search and identified 265 additional pages of responsive records. The Information Commissioner ordered PCO to provide a supplementary response by March 18, 2025.

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

Nov 4, 20245822-02842· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Canada Border Services Agency, 5822-02842

The OIC ordered Canada Border Services Agency to provide a complete response to the access request as soon as possible but no later than the 36th business day following receipt of my final report..

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Federal (Canada)Access to Information Acts.6.1 Application Denied (must respond)

Nov 1, 20242024 OIC 78· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Decision pursuant to 6.1, 2024 OIC 78

Government Institution

An institution applied to the Information Commissioner for approval to decline an access request, arguing it was an abuse of the right to access information. The institution estimated the request would generate over 8,200 emails and take years to process, significantly impacting its operations and other requesters' rights. However, the Commissioner found the institution failed to provide sufficient evidence of the request constituting an abuse or demonstrating a link between the estimated workload and interference with other requesters' rights. Consequently, the application was denied.

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

Oct 29, 20245824-00264· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Communications Security Establishment Canada, 5824-00264

The OIC ordered Communications Security Establishment Canada to provide a complete response no later than March 3, 2025..

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

Oct 22, 20245823-03479· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Communications Security Establishment Canada, 5823-03479

The OIC ordered Communications Security Establishment Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than March 31, 2025..

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

Oct 22, 20245824-01113· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 5824-01113

The OIC ordered Fisheries and Oceans Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than January 10, 2025..

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

Oct 22, 20245824-00541· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Global Affairs Canada, 5824-00541

The OIC ordered Global Affairs Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than the 36th business day following the receipt of my final report..

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

Oct 22, 20245823-04403· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Health Canada, 5823-04403

The OIC ordered Health Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than February 21, 2025..

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

Oct 22, 20245823-03478· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Communications Security Establishment Canada, 5823-03478

The OIC ordered Communications Security Establishment Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than the 60th 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)

Oct 21, 20245823-03809· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 5823-03809

The OIC ordered Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than 36 business days following the date of the final report..

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

Oct 21, 20245824-00225· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Global Affairs Canada, 5824-00225

The OIC ordered Global Affairs Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than the 36th business day following the receipt of my final report..

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

Oct 17, 20245824-00804· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Environment and Climate Change Canada, 5824-00804

The OIC ordered Environment and Climate Change Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than December 3, 2024..

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

Oct 17, 20245824-00926· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Environment and Climate Change Canada, 5824-00926

The OIC ordered Environment and Climate Change Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than the 36th business day after the date of the final report..

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

Oct 17, 20245824-00998· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Environment and Climate Change Canada, 5824-00998

The OIC ordered Environment and Climate Change Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than 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)

Oct 15, 20245823-04715· Indexed Apr 21, 2026

Financial Transaction and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, 5823-04715

The OIC ordered Financial Transaction and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada to provide a complete response to the access request no later than the 36th business day following receipt of the final report..

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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.