Canadian Privacy Decisions

The complainant alleged that Library and Archives Canada (LAC) improperly withheld information from the "Rodal report" under several exemptions. Initially, LAC withheld information under sections 13(1), 15(1), 16(1)(c), and 23 of the Access to Information Act. During the investigation, LAC released most of the information, abandoning reliance on sections 16(1)(c) and 23. The OIC found that LAC could not initially demonstrate that the remaining withheld information met the requirements of section 13(1). However, the OIC was satisfied that LAC properly withheld information under section 15(1) after reasonable exercise of discretion, and that the information met the requirements of section 13(1). The complaint was found to be well-founded because LAC improperly withheld information initially.

• Whether information was properly withheld under section 13(1) (confidential information from government bodies).
• Whether information was properly withheld under section 15(1) (international affairs, defence).
• Whether LAC properly exercised its discretion in withholding information.
• Whether LAC properly ceased reliance on sections 16(1)(c) and 23.