Access at issue: Nine recommendations regarding the processing of access requests at National Defence

Gatineau, Quebec, July 22, 2020 – The Information Commissioner of Canada’s first special report was tabled in Parliament today. The report – Access at issue: Nine recommendations regarding the processing of access requests at National Defence – covers the Commissioner’s systemic investigation into the procedures, policies and systems utilized by the Department of National Defence (DND) in the processing of access to information requests.

“This investigation demonstrates that it is imperative that all federal institutions follow sound information management practices and make smart use of technology as they meet their responsibilities under the Access to Information Act,” said Information Commissioner  Caroline Maynard. “Our access to information systems also need senior institutional leaders to champion the right to access for Canadians.”

The systemic investigation found that DND did not meet its obligations under the Act because of dated or inefficient processes. Nine areas of concern were identified in the report and specific recommendations were provided to the department. The Commissioner also recommended the need for more training to help increase the knowledge level of employees assigned to access to information requests. The Commissioner will continue to monitor the department’s progress in implementing the different courses of action.

The Access at issue: Nine recommendations regarding the processing of access requests at National Defence report can be found at https://www.oic-ci.gc.ca/en/resources/reports-publications/access-issue-nine-recommendations-regarding-processing-access.