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Helpful information on how the Office of the Information Commissioner approaches investigations and interprets the Access to Information Act.

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Submit a complaint

The Access to Information Act gives a right to access information under the control of government institutions. The Act also provides a right to complain to the Information Commissioner about matters related to an access request made under the Act, such as the following:

  • the institution’s response to the request
  • the fact that the institution did not respond to the request
  • how an institution treated the request.

Individuals may also complain about other matters related to requesting and accessing records under Part 1 of the Act, even if they did not make an access request.

In all instances, complainants may authorize someone else to submit a complaint(s) on their behalf.

More information: Types of complaints; How the OIC processes and investigates complaints

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Caroline Maynard

What the OIC does

Complaints

The Access to Information Act gives Canadians the right to request information from federal institutions. If you submitted a request for information to a federal institution under the Act and you are not satisfied with how it was processed, you may file a complaint with the OIC.

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Quarterly statistics

Statistics about the OIC’s complaint caseload (complaints submitted and concluded) over several fiscal years, and related work. The graphs are updated quarterly and are supplemented by data in the Information Commissioner’s annual report.

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Guidance

Guidance for institutions on how the OIC approaches investigations and on the information Commissioner's interpretation of the Act is available to everyone.

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Parliamentary activities

The Information Commissioner reports directly to Parliament. She appears before parliamentary committees and makes written submissions to them. She also publishes her annual report to Parliament and issues special reports when required. Upon request, the Commissioner provides expert advice to parliamentarians on access to information matters.

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Bouchard (Phoenix pay system) class action:

On April 15, 2025, the Superior Court of Quebec approved the Bouchard class action settlement agreement. Eligible class members have until October 24, 2025, to submit a claim for damages caused by the Phoenix pay system.

Latest news

Transparency and Access to Information for the 21st Century: My Commitment

Release Date

Gatineau, Quebec, March 3, 2025

Today marks the beginning of my second mandate as Canada’s Information Commissioner. I am energized by the opportunities ahead and eager to build upon the foundation I was able to put in place during the last seven years.

Throughout my time as Commissioner, my focus has always been obtaining results for Canadians by fulfilling my mandate of upholding the right of access to information through my investigations, the issuance of orders and the judicial processes to enforce these orders.

Canada’s Information Commissioners and Ombuds issue joint resolution calling for enhanced transparency in government operations

Release Date

Gatineau, Québec – December 10, 2024 – In a joint resolution, Canada’s Information Commissioners and Ombuds from federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions are pressing their respective governments to prioritize transparency in the design and implementation of new systems, administrative processes, procedures, and governance models.

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