Canadian Privacy Decisions

This report details a systemic investigation into Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) handling of access to information requests, particularly for immigration application files. The investigation found that IRCC's practice of automatically extending response times for frequent requesters violated the Access to Information Act. The Information Commissioner made five recommendations to improve IRCC's processes, including ceasing this practice, developing a work plan for performance improvements, enhancing the availability of client information through other means, and securing adequate resources for the ATIP office.

• Timeliness of response to access to information requests
• Proper application of time extension provisions under the ATIA
• Systemic issues in processing high volumes of access requests
• Accessibility of immigration application information through alternative channels

The complainant alleged that the Privy Council Office (PCO) improperly withheld the names of employees within the Prime Minister's Office. The information was requested in relation to records concerning an announcement about audits of registered charities for political activities. The OIC found that the withheld names constituted personal information and met the requirements for exemption under subsection 19(1) of the Access to Information Act. The OIC was also satisfied that none of the exceptions allowing for disclosure under subsection 19(2) applied. Therefore, the complaint was not well-founded.

• Whether the names of Prime Minister's Office employees constitute personal information under subsection 19(1) of the ATIA.
• Whether the information fell under exceptions to the definition of personal information.
• Whether the institution properly exercised its discretion to disclose the information under subsection 19(2) of the ATIA.