Federal (Canada) privacy & access decisions

The complainant alleged that Library and Archives Canada (LAC) improperly withheld information related to submarine operations in the Arctic region under exemptions for confidential government information and national security. The Information Commissioner found that LAC did not provide sufficient evidence to justify withholding the information under either exemption. The Commissioner recommended that LAC disclose the records in their entirety, but LAC stated it would not implement this recommendation.

• Justification for withholding information under subsection 13(1) (confidential information from government bodies).
• Justification for withholding information under subsection 15(1) (national security, defence).
• Whether the institution met the 'harm test' for exemption 15(1).
• Whether the institution met the 'confidentiality' requirement for exemption 13(1).

The complainant alleged that Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) did not conduct a reasonable search for records related to various infrastructure investment plans and frameworks. The investigation found that ISC's initial search was insufficient, as the Offices of Primary Interest tasked may not have been appropriate and other offices might hold responsive records. The Information Commissioner ordered ISC to conduct a new, broader search for records.

• Reasonableness of the search conducted by the institution
• Identification and tasking of appropriate offices of primary interest
• Adequacy of documentation of search efforts

The complainant alleged that Canada Post failed to conduct a reasonable search for records containing their name. The investigation found that Canada Post did not demonstrate that all relevant offices had been tasked or that all responsive records were retrieved. Consequently, the Information Commissioner ordered Canada Post to identify and process any additional responsive records and provide a final response to the complainant.

• Whether Canada Post conducted a reasonable search for records.
• Whether all relevant offices of primary interest were tasked with searching for records.
• Whether Canada Post provided sufficient explanation for missing records.

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.

• Whether the medical certificates provided by Marineland constitute confidential third-party commercial information under paragraph 20(1)(b) of the ATIA.
• Whether the information was treated consistently as confidential by the third party.
• Whether the information was publicly available.