Canadian Privacy Decisions

The complainant alleged that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) improperly withheld information related to a contract under paragraphs 20(1)(b) and 20(1)(c) of the Access to Information Act. The OIC found that NRCan and the third party did not demonstrate that all the requirements for these exemptions were met for most of the withheld information. The Commissioner recommended disclosing all information except for a void cheque and the unit prices and quantities. NRCan disclosed some additional information but not all that was recommended, leading to the complaint being found well-founded.

• Whether information was confidential third-party financial, commercial, scientific or technical information under paragraph 20(1)(b) of the ATIA.
• Whether disclosing information could reasonably be expected to have a material financial impact on a third party or harm its competitive position under paragraph 20(1)(c) of the ATIA.
• Whether the institution met the requirements of the exemptions claimed.
• Whether the institution implemented the Commissioner's recommendation.