Canadian Privacy Decisions

The complainant requested all records of misconduct by an identified individual from the Department of National Defence (DND). DND refused to process the request, claiming it did not meet the requirements of section 6 of the Access to Information Act. The OIC found that DND's representations were insufficient to demonstrate the request lacked detail and noted that exemptions for personal information or privacy concerns under the Privacy Act do not invalidate a request under the Access to Information Act. DND ultimately conceded the request met the requirements of section 6 and agreed to process it.

• Whether the request provided sufficient detail to identify records under section 6 of the ATIA.
• Whether exemptions under section 19 of the ATIA or the Privacy Act can invalidate a request under section 6 of the ATIA.
• Whether the ATIA applies notwithstanding other Acts of Parliament.