2023–24 Annual Report on the Access to Information Act

From April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024

ISSN: 2818-3754

Click to view the report in PDF.



Introduction

The Access to Information Act (ATIA – the Act) gives Canadians the broad legal right to information contained in federal government records.

The Act provides government institutions with 30 days to respond to access requests. Additional time may be granted if there are many records to examine, other government agencies to be consulted, or third parties to be notified. Access rights are subject to specific and limited exemptions.

This annual report to Parliament is submitted by the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada (the Commissioner) pursuant to section 72 of the ATIA. On April 15, 2007, the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA) came into force. It created the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada (the Office). The new legislation replaced the Treasury Board Policy on the Internal Disclosure of Information Concerning Wrongdoing in the Workplace.

The Office is mandated to establish a safe, independent and confidential process for public servants and members of the public to disclose potential wrongdoing in the federal public sector. The Office also deals with reprisal complaints from public servants coming from their disclosures or their participation in related investigations.

The Commissioner is an independent Agent of Parliament.

Description of the Institution’s Structure

The Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Coordinator is the only employee dedicated, on a part-time basis, to fulfil the Access to Information Act responsibilities. The Coordinator is assisted by a contractor for the processing of the requests, for training and education, and for reporting activities.

Delegation

The Commissioner, as the head of the government institution, has designated, pursuant to section 73 of the ATIA, the persons holding the positions set out in the delegation order, or the persons occupying on an acting basis those positions, to exercise the powers, duties or functions of the Commissioner as specified therein. A copy of the delegation order is included in Appendix A for the past and current ATIP Coordinator.

Interpretation of the Annual Statistical Report

Appendix B provides a statistical report on the ATIA applications processed by the Office between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.

Two formal requests were received via the online application and closed during this reporting period. A total of 122 pages were processed as e-records for these. No records were released for these two requests, however, since they were abandoned. One informal request was also received by email and closed during this reporting period. No records were released for this request. All these requests were processed within the legal timeframe and the only exemption applied was section 16(1)(c) to the informal request. The requests originated from the Public.

The application fee was collected for each formal request but no translations were required to respond to these.

No requests of a vexatious, bad faith or abusive of right nature were received.

Two consultations consisting of 8 pages in total were received from other federal government institutions and processed within the allocated timeframe. No exemptions were recommended to be applied under the ATIA. No consultation requests were received from other sources including consultations on Cabinet Confidences.

One Section 32 Notice of Intention to Investigation was received from the Office of the Information Commissioner but none for judiciary recourse.

The Office spent some $2,000 in resources administering the ATI Act.

Five-Year Trend of Access Requests

Fiscal YearNew Requests ReceivedTotal Requests Processed*
2019–2033
2020–2166
2021–2200
2022–2322
2023–2433

*Note: Total requests processed includes any requests carried over from previous reporting periods.

Interpretation of the Supplemental Statistical Report

Appendix C provides a statistical report on the COVID-19 measures applied by the Office between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.

Education and Training Activities

One formal briefing session covering the provisions of the ATIA was delivered to PSIC employees as a group during this reporting period. Advice was also provided on an individual basis as required.

Overview of New or Revised Institutional Policies and Procedures

No new or revised institutional policies or procedures were implemented during this reporting period which would have had an impact on access to information.

Key Issues Relating to Access to Information Complaints and/or Investigations

One complaint was received from the Office of the Information Commissioner during this reporting period.

Time Monitoring for Processing Access to Information Requests

Though no formal time monitoring was conducted during this reporting period, the Office uses a case management system to track processing times regarding access to information requests. This tool assists the Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator and the contractor dedicated to this function in monitoring timelines to ensure compliancy with legislated deadlines.


Appendix A – Delegation Order

Date: February 12, 2020

The Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada, as the head of the government institution, hereby designates, pursuant to subsection 95(1) of the Access to Information Act, the person holding the position set out below, or the persons occupying on an acting basis those positions, to exercise the powers, duties or functions of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner as specified below.

PositionsSections of the Access to Information Act
Deputy CommissionerFull Authority – pre and post C-58
ATIP CoordinatorFull Authority – pre and post C-58

I hereby name Denis Bilodeau as Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator.

(Original signed by)

Joe Friday
Public Sector Integrity Commissioner

Date: January 25, 2024

The Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada, as the head of the government institution, hereby designates, pursuant to section 73 of the Access to Information Act, the person holding the position set out below, or the persons occupying on an acting basis those positions, to exercise the powers, duties or functions of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner as specified below.

PositionSections of the Access to Information Act
Deputy CommissionerFull Authority
ATIP CoordinatorFull Authority

I hereby name Nicolas Palanque as Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator.

(Original signed by)

Harriet Solloway
Public Sector Integrity Commissioner


Appendix B – Annual Statistical Report

Name of Institution: Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada

Reporting Period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31

Section 1: Requests under the Access to Information Act

1.1 Number of Requests

 Number of Requests
Received during reporting period3
Outstanding from previous reporting periods0
  • Outstanding from previous reporting period
0
  • Outstanding from more than one reporting period
0
Total3
Closed during reporting period3
Carried over the next reporting period0
  • Carried over within legislated timeline
0
  • Carried over beyond legislated timeline
0

1.2 Sources of Requests

SourceNumber of Requests
Media0
Academia0
Business (private sector)0
Organization0
Public3
Decline to identify0
Total3

1.3 Channels of Requests

SourceNumber of Requests
Online2
E-mail0
Mail1
In person0
Phone0
Fax0
Total3

Section 2: Informal Requests

2.1 Number of Informal Requests

 Number of Requests
Received during reporting period0
Outstanding from previous reporting periods0
  • Outstanding from previous reporting period
0
  • Outstanding from more than one reporting period
0
Total0
  • Closed during reporting period
0
  • Carried over the next reporting period
0

2.2 Channels of Informal Requests

SourceNumber of Requests
Online0
E-mail0
Mail0
In person0
Phone0
Fax0
Total0

2.3 Completion Time of Informal Requests

Completion Time
0–15 Days16–30 Days31–60 Days61–120 Days121–180 Days181–365 DaysMore than 365 DaysTotal
00000000

2.4 Pages Released Informally

Less than 100 Pages Released100–500 Pages Released501–1,000 Pages Released1,001–5,000 Pages ReleasedMore than 5,000 Pages Released
Number of RequestsPages ReleasedNumber of RequestsPages ReleasedNumber of RequestsPages ReleasedNumber of RequestsPages ReleasedNumber of RequestsPages Released
0000000000

2.5 Pages Re-released Informally

Less than 100 Pages Released100–500 Pages Released501–1,000 Pages Released1,001–5,000 Pages ReleasedMore than 5,000 Pages Released
Number of RequestsPages Re-releasedNumber of RequestsPages Re-releasedNumber of RequestsPages Re-releasedNumber of RequestsPages Re-releasedNumber of RequestsPages Re-released
0000000000

Section 3: Applications to the Information Commissioner on Declining to Act on Requests

 Number of Requests
Outstanding from previous reporting period0
Sent during reporting period0
Total0
Approved by the Information Commissioner during reporting period0
Declined by the Information Commissioner during reporting period0
Withdrawn during reporting period0
Carried over to next reporting period0

Section 4: Requests Closed During the Reporting Period

4.1 Disposition and Completion Time

Disposition of RequestsCompletion Time
0–15 Days16–30 Days31–60 Days61–120 Days121–180 Days181–365 DaysMore than 365 DaysTotal
All disclosed00000000
Disclosed in part00000000
All exempted10000001
All excluded00000000
No records exist00000000
Request transferred00000000
Request abandoned20000002
Neither confirmed nor denied00000000
Decline to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner00000000
Total30000003

4.2 Exemptions

SectionNumber of Requests
13(1)(a)0
13(1)(b)0
13(1)(c)0
13(1)(d)0
13(1)(e)0
140
14(a)0
14(b)0
15(1)0
15(1) – International Affairs0
15(1) – Defence of Canada0
15(1) – Subversive Activities0
16(1)(a)(i)0
16(1)(a)(ii)0
16(1)(a)(iii)0
16(1)(b)0
16(1)(c)0
16(1)(d)0
16(2)0
16(2)(a)0
16(2)(b)0
16(2)(c)0
16(3)0
16.1(1)(a)0
16.1(1)(b)0
16.1(1)(c)1
16.1(1)(d)0
16.2(1)0
16.30
16.4(1)(a)0
16.4(1)(b)0
16.50
16.60
170
18(a)0
18(b)0
18(c)0
18(d)0
18.1(1)(a)0
18.1(1)(b)0
18.1(1)(c)0
18.1(1)(d)0
19(1)0
20(1)(a)0
20(1)(b)0
20(1)(b.1)0
20(1)(c)0
20(1)(d)0
20.10
20.20
20.40
21(1)(a)0
21(1)(b)0
21(1)(c)0
21(1)(d)0
220
22.1(1)0
230
23.10
24(1)0
260

4.3 Exclusions

SectionNumber of Requests
68(a)0
68(b)0
68(c)0
68.10
68.2(a)0
68.2(b)0
69(1)0
69(1)(a)0
69(1)(b)0
69(1)(c)0
69(1)(d)0
69(1)(e)0
69(1)(f)0
69(1)(g) re (a)0
69(1)(g) re (b)0
69(1)(g) re (c)0
69(1)(g) re (d)0
69(1)(g) re (e)0
69(1)(g) re (f)0
69.1(1)0

4.4 Format of Information Released

PaperElectronicOther
E-recordDatasetVideoAudio
000000

4.5 Complexity

4.5.1 Relevant Pages Processed and Disclosed for Paper, E-record and Dataset Formats
Number of Pages ProcessedNumber of Pages DisclosedNumber of Requests
12203
4.5.2 Relevant Pages Processed per Request Disposition for Paper, E-record and Dataset Formats by Size of Requests
DispositionLess than 100 Pages Processed100–500 Pages Processed501–1,000 Pages Processed1,001–5,000 Pages ProcessedMore than 5,000 Pages Processed
Number of RequestsPages ProcessedNumber of RequestsPages ProcessedNumber of RequestsPages ProcessedNumber of RequestsPages ProcessedNumber of RequestsPages Processed
All disclosed0000000000
Disclosed in part0000000000
All exempted001110000000
All excluded0000000000
Request abandoned21200000000
Neither confirmed nor denied0000000000
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner0000000000
Total2121110000000
4.5.3 Relevant Minutes Processed and Disclosed for Audio Formats
Number of Minutes ProcessedNumber of Minutes DisclosedNumber of Requests
000
4.5.4 Relevant Minutes Processed per Requests Disposition for Audio Formats by Size of Requests
DispositionLess than 60 Minutes Processed60–120 Minutes ProcessedMore than 120 Minutes Processed
Number of RequestsMinutes ProcessedNumber of RequestsMinutes ProcessedNumber of RequestsMinutes Processed
All disclosed000000
Disclosed in part000000
All exempted000000
All excluded000000
Request abandoned000000
Neither confirmed nor denied000000
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner000000
Total000000
4.5.5 Relevant Minutes Processed and Disclosed for Video Formats
Number of Minutes ProcessedNumber of Minutes DisclosedNumber of Requests
000
4.5.6 Relevant Minutes Processed per Requests Disposition for Video Formats by Size of Requests
DispositionLess than 60 Minutes Processed60–120 Minutes ProcessedMore than 120 Minutes Processed
Number of RequestsMinutes ProcessedNumber of RequestsMinutes ProcessedNumber of RequestsMinutes Processed
All disclosed000000
Disclosed in part000000
All exempted000000
All excluded000000
Request abandoned000000
Neither confirmed nor denied000000
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner000000
Total000000
4.5.7 Other Complexities
DispositionConsultation RequiredLegal Advice SoughtOtherTotal
All disclosed0000
Disclosed in part0000
All exempted0101
All excluded0000
Request abandoned0000
Neither confirmed nor denied0000
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner0000
Total0101

4.6 Closed Requests

4.6.1 Requests Closed within Legislated Timelines
Number of requests closed within legislated timelines3
Percentage of requests closed within legislated timelines (%)100

4.7 Deemed Refusals

4.7.1 Reasons for Not Meeting Legislated Timelines
Number of Requests Closed Past the Legislated TimelinesPrincipal Reason
Interference with Operations / WorkloadExternal ConsultationInternal ConsultationOther
00000
4.7.2 Requests Closed beyond Legislated Timelines (including any extension taken)
Number of Days Past Legislated TimelineNumber of Requests Past Legislated Timeline where No Extension Was TakenNumber of Requests Past Legislated Timeline where an Extension Was TakenTotal
1–15 Days000
16–30 Days000
31–60 Days000
61–120 Days000
121–180 Days000
181–365 Days000
More than 365 Days000
Total000

4.8 Requests for Translation

Translation RequestsAcceptedRefusedTotal
English to French000
French to English000
Total000

Section 5: Extensions

5.1 Reasons for Extensions and Disposition of Requests

Disposition of Requests where an Extension Was Taken9(1)(a) Interference with Operations / Workload9(1)(b) Consultation9(1)(c) Third-Party Notice
Section 69Other
All disclosed0000
Disclosed in part0000
All exempted0000
All excluded0000
Request abandoned0000
No records exist0000
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner0000
Total0000

5.2 Length of Extensions

Length of Extensions9(1)(a) Interference with Operations / Workload9(1)(b) Consultation9(1)(c) Third-Party Notice
Section 69Other
30 days or less0000
31–60 days0000
61–120 days0000
121–180 days0000
181–365 days0000
365 days or more0000
Total0000

Section 6: Fees

Fee TypeFee CollectedFee WaivedFee Refunded
Number of RequestsAmountNumber of RequestsAmountNumber of RequestsAmount
Application0$00$100$0
Other fees0$00$00$0
Total0$00$100$0

Section 7: Consultations Received from Other Institutions and Organizations

7.1 Consultations Received from Other Government of Canada Institutions and Other Organizations

ConsultationsOther Government of Canada InstitutionsNumber of Pages to ReviewOther OrganizationsNumber of Pages to Review
Received during the reporting period2800
Outstanding from the previous reporting period0000
Total2800
Closed during the reporting period2800
Carried over within negotiated timelines0000
Carried over beyond negotiated timelines0000

7.2 Recommendations and Completion Time for Consultations Received from Other Government of Canada Institutions

RecommendationNumber of Days Required to Complete Consultation Requests
0–15 Days16–30 Days31–60 Days61–120 Days121–180 Days181–365 DaysMore than 365 DaysTotal
Disclose entirely10000001
Disclose in part10000001
Exempt entirely00000000
Exclude entirely00000000
Consult other institutions00000000
Other00000000
Total20000002

7.3 Recommendations and Completion Time for Consultations Received from Other Organizations Outside the Government of Canada

RecommendationNumber of Days Required to Complete Consultation Requests
0–15 Days16–30 Days31–60 Days61–120 Days121–180 Days181–365 DaysMore than 365 DaysTotal
Disclose entirely00000000
Disclose in part00000000
Exempt entirely00000000
Exclude entirely00000000
Consult other institutions00000000
Other00000000
Total00000000

Section 8: Completion Time of Consultations on Cabinet Confidences

8.1 Requests with Legal Services

Number of DaysFewer than 100 Pages Processed100–500 Pages Processed501–1,000 Pages Processed1,001–5,000 Pages ProcessedMore than 5,000 Pages Processed
Number of RequestsPages DisclosedNumber of RequestsPages DisclosedNumber of RequestsPages DisclosedNumber of RequestsPages DisclosedNumber of RequestsPages Disclosed
1–150000000000
16–300000000000
31–600000000000
61–1200000000000
121–1800000000000
181–3650000000000
More than 3650000000000
Total0000000000

8.2 Requests with Privy Council Office

Number of DaysFewer than 100 Pages Processed100–500 Pages Processed501–1,000 Pages Processed1,001–5,000 Pages ProcessedMore than 5,000 Pages Processed
Number of RequestsPages DisclosedNumber of RequestsPages DisclosedNumber of RequestsPages DisclosedNumber of RequestsPages DisclosedNumber of RequestsPages Disclosed
1–150000000000
16–300000000000
31–600000000000
61–1200000000000
121–1800000000000
181–3650000000000
More than 3650000000000
Total0000000000

Section 9: Investigations and Reports of Finding

9.1 Investigations

Section 32 Notice of Intention to InvestigateSubsection 30(5) Ceased to InvestigateSection 35 Format Representation
100

9.2 Investigations and Reports of Finding

Subsection 37(1) Initial ReportsSubsection 37(2) Final Reports
ReceivedContaining recommandations issued by the Information CommissionerContaining an intent to issue an order by the Information CommissionerReceivedContaining recommandations issued by the Information CommissionerContaining orders issued by the Information Commissioner
000000

Section 10: Court Action

10.1 Court Actions on Complaints

Section 41
Complainant (1)Institution (2)Third Party (3)Privacy Commissioner (4)Total
00000

10.2 Court Actions on Third Party Notifications under Paragraph 28(1)(b)

Section 44 - under paragraph 28(1)(b)
0

11.1 Allocated Costs

ExpendituresAmount
Salaries$40,000
Overtime$0
Goods and services$15,000
  • Professional service contracts
$15,000
  • Other
$0
Total$55,000

11.2 Human Resources

ResourcesPerson Years Dedicated to Access to Information Activities
Full-time employees1
Part-time and casual employees0
Regional staff0
Consultants and agency personnel1
Students0
Total2

Appendix C – Supplemental Statistical Report

Name of Institution: Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada

Reporting Period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31

Section 1: Open Requests and Complaints under the Access to Information Act

1.1 Number of Open Requests that Are Outstanding from Previous Reporting Periods

Fiscal Year Open Requests Were ReceivedOpen Requests that Are within Legislated Timelines as of March 31, 2024Open Requests that Are beyond Legislated Timelines as of March 31, 2024Total
Received in 2023–24 or earlier000
Total000

1.2 Number of Open Complaints with the Information Commissioner of Canada that Are Outstanding from Previous Reporting Periods

Fiscal Year Open Complaints Were Received by InstitutionNumber of Open Complaints
Received in 2023–241
Received in 2022–23 or earlier0
Total1

Section 2: Open Requests and Complaints under the Privacy Act

2.1 Number of Open Requests that Are Outstanding from Previous Reporting Periods

Fiscal Year Open Requests Were ReceivedOpen Requests that Are within Legislated Timelines as of March 31, 2024Open Requests that Are beyond Legislated Timelines as of March 31, 2024Total
Received in 2023–24 or earlier000
Total000

2.2 Number of Open Complaints with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada that Are Outstanding from Previous Reporting Periods

Fiscal Year Open Complaints Were Received by InstitutionNumber of Open Complaints
Received in 2023–24 or earlier0
Total0

Section 3: Social Insurance Number

Has your institution begun a new collection or a new consistent use of the SIN in 2023–24?No

Section 4: Universal Access under the Privacy Act

How many requests were received from foreign nationals outside of Canada in 2023–24?0