Canadian privacy & access decisions

The complainant alleged that Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) improperly withheld the names and service numbers of individuals awarded the Arctic Star under section 19(1) of the Access to Information Act. During the investigation, VAC initially released some information, acknowledging it did not meet the criteria for personal information, but continued to withhold other names and service numbers. The Information Commissioner determined that the names and service numbers fell under the exception to the definition of "personal information" in paragraph 3(j) of the Privacy Act, as they relate to an individual's position or functions as a government institution officer or employee. The Privacy Commissioner was consulted and agreed with this assessment. Consequently, the Commissioner concluded that the information did not meet the requirements for exemption under section 19(1). The complaint was found to be well founded, and VAC agreed to disclose the remaining names and service numbers.

• Whether the names and service numbers of Arctic Star recipients constitute "personal information" under s.19(1) ATIA
• Whether the information falls under the exception to the definition of "personal information" in paragraph 3(j) of the Privacy Act