2024-25 Annual Report to Parliament on the Access to Information Act
October 2025
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
30 Victoria Street, 1st Floor
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 1H3
Telephone: 819-994-5444, 1-800-282-1376
Fax: 819-994-5424
Follow us on X: @privacyprivee
Introduction
The Access to Information Act (ATIA) came into effect on July 1, 1983. It provides Canadian citizens, permanent residents and any person and corporation present in Canada a right of access to information contained in government records, subject to certain specific and limited exceptions.
While not initially subject to the ATIA, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) and other Agents of Parliament became so on April 1, 2007, when relevant provisions of the Federal Accountability Act came into force.
Section 94 of the ATIA requires that the head of every federal government institution submit an annual report to Parliament on the administration of the Act within their institution during the fiscal year.
The OPC is pleased to submit its eighteenth Annual Report, which describes how we fulfilled our responsibilities under the ATIA in 2024-25.
Mandate and Mission of the OPC
The mandate of the OPC is to oversee compliance with both the Privacy Act (PA), which covers the personal information handling practices of federal government departments and agencies, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada’s private sector privacy law.
The OPC’s mission is to protect and promote the fundamental privacy rights of individuals.
The Commissioner works independently from any other part of the government to investigate privacy complaints from individuals with respect to the federal public sector and certain aspects of the private sector.
With respect to public sector matters, individuals may complain to the Commissioner about any matter specified in section 29 of the PA.
For matters relating to personal information in the private sector in the course of commercial activities, the Commissioner may investigate complaints under section 11 of PIPEDA except in the provinces that have adopted substantially similar privacy legislation, namely Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador now fall into this category with respect to personal health information held by health information custodians under their health sector privacy laws. However, even in those provinces with substantially similar legislation, and elsewhere in Canada, PIPEDA applies to personal information collected, used or disclosed by all federal works, undertakings and businesses, including personal information about their employees. PIPEDA also applies to all personal data that flows across provincial or national borders, in the course of commercial activities.
The Commissioner focuses on resolving complaints through negotiation and persuasion, using mediation and conciliation if appropriate. If voluntary cooperation is not forthcoming however, the Commissioner has the power to summon witnesses, administer oaths and compel the production of evidence. In cases that remain unresolved, particularly under PIPEDA, the complainant or the Commissioner may take the matter to Federal Court and seek a court order to rectify the situation.
As the agent of Parliament responsible for the protection of the privacy rights of Canadians, the Commissioner carries out the following activities:
- Investigating complaints and issuing reports with recommendations to federal government institutions and private sector organizations to remedy situations of non-compliance, as appropriate;
- Pursuing legal action before the federal courts where appropriate to resolve outstanding matters;
- Assessing compliance with obligations contained in the PA and PIPEDA through the conduct of independent audit and review activities;
- Advising on, and reviewing, Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) of new and existing government initiatives;
- Providing legal and policy analysis and expertise to help guide Parliament’s review of evolving legislation to ensure respect for individuals’ right to privacy;
- Responding to inquiries from parliamentarians, individual Canadians and organizations seeking information and guidance, and taking proactive steps to inform them of emerging privacy issues;
- Promoting privacy awareness and compliance and fostering understanding of privacy rights and obligations through proactive engagement with federal government institutions, private-sector organizations, industry associations, the legal community, academia, professional associations, and other stakeholders;
- Preparing and disseminating public education materials, positions on evolving legislation, regulations and policies, guidance documents and fact sheets for use by the general public, federal government institutions and private sector organizations;
- Conducting research and monitoring trends in technological advances and privacy practices, identifying systemic privacy issues that need to be addressed by federal government institutions and private sector organizations and promoting integration of best practices; and
- Working with privacy stakeholders from other jurisdictions in Canada and internationally to address global privacy issues that result from ever increasing transborder data flows.
Organizational Structure
The Privacy Commissioner is an Officer of Parliament who reports directly to the House of Commons and the Senate.
In January 2025, the OPC, following an organizational review, adopted a new structure to support the Privacy Commissioner’s vision: that privacy is a fundamental right; that privacy supports the public interest and Canada’s innovation and competitiveness; and that privacy accelerates Canadian’s trust in their institutions and in their participation as digital citizens. Implementation of this structure, especially with regards to the new Compliance Promotion and Enforcement Sector, was announced on January 22, 2025 and implemented on May 1, 2025, and had therefore not been completed by March 31, 2025; the description provided below represents the structure as it was at the end of the reporting period.
The OPC was not part of any new or existing service agreements under section 96 of the Access to Information Act during the reporting period.
The OPC’s organizational structure is now comprised of three sectors: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement Sector, Legal Services and Policy Sector, and Enabling Services Sector. The work of each sector is overseen by a Deputy Commissioner. The three Deputy Commissioners, as well as the Executive Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, report directly to the Privacy Commissioner. The Commissioner is also supported by the OPC’s Executive Secretariat.
As of March 31, 2025, the OPC was structured in the following way:
Compliance Promotion and Enforcement Sector
The Compliance Promotion and Enforcement Sector is led by the Deputy Commissioner, Compliance Promotion and Enforcement. This Sector is responsible for compliance under both acts.
Its activities include promoting compliance with the Privacy Act and PIPEDA using a variety of tools, including advisory engagements and outreach to organizations, both public and private, to inform them of their privacy obligations, as well as leveraging domestic and international partnerships to promote and enforce compliance.
It also undertakes several enforcement activities such as investigations and audits leading to the issuance of reports of findings, concludes compliance agreements where applicable, and monitors organizations’ compliance with recommendations and measures issued in the context of investigation reports and compliance agreements.
The sector also oversees the intake, triage and assessment of complaints and the intake of breach reports under both acts.
Finally, the sector is responsible for reviewing Codes of practice under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, a new function that was launched on March 1, 2025.
At the end of the reporting period, the Compliance Promotion and Enforcement Sector included five directorates: the Privacy Act Compliance Directorate (public sector), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) Compliance Directorate (private sector), the Compliance, Intake and Resolution Directorate (public and private sectors), the Government Advisory Directorate and the Business Advisory Directorate.
Privacy Act (PA) Compliance Directorate
The mandate of the PA Compliance Directorate is to investigate complaints under the Privacy Act from individuals, either because they believe that they have not been given access to their personal information held by government institutions, or feel that their information has been inappropriately collected, used, disclosed or managed. The Directorate also investigates complaints that are initiated by the Commissioner and conducts audits.
PIPEDA Compliance Directorate
The mandate of the PIPEDA Compliance Directorate is to investigate complaints from individuals under PIPEDA about the collection, use and disclosure of their personal information in the course of an organization’s commercial activities. The Directorate also investigates complaints that are initiated by the Commissioner.
Compliance, Intake and Resolution Directorate
The Compliance, Intake and Resolution Directorate is responsible for receiving all complaints under PIPEDA and the Privacy Act, and, where possible, trying to resolve them quickly through an early resolution process. The Directorate also:
- reviews mandatory reporting of data breaches submitted by private-sector organization and federal institutions; and
- ensures compliance monitoring.
The Compliance, Intake and Resolution Directorate’s Executive Director also acts as the Chief Privacy Officer for the OPC.
Government Advisory Directorate
The Government Advisory Directorate provides advice and recommendations to federal public sector institutions in relation to programs and initiatives, as well as reviews PIAs and information sharing agreements submitted by departments and agencies. This group also undertakes various outreach initiatives with the federal public sector in order to encourage compliance with the Privacy Act.
Business Advisory Directorate
The Business Advisory Directorate provides advice to businesses subject to PIPEDA relating to their programs and initiatives, reviews existing privacy practices and conducts proactive engagements with the business community. This group also undertakes various outreach initiatives with the private sector in order to encourage compliance with PIPEDA.
Legal Services and Policy Sector
The Legal Services and Policy Sector is led by the Deputy Commissioner and Senior General Counsel who reports directly to the Privacy Commissioner.
Legal Services, and ATIP Division
Legal Services provides legal advice and support in relation to PIPEDA and PA compliance and in support of other operational activities across the OPC. It also represents the OPC in litigation matters before the courts and in negotiations with other parties.
The Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Program ensures that the OPC meets the obligations to provide access to information, including personal information, under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The Program also prepares the annual reports required to be filed in Parliament under these two acts. In 2024-25, the ATIP Division was headed by a director supported by 2 analysts. Under section 95(1) of the ATIA, as the head of the OPC, the Privacy Commissioner’s authority with respect to the application of the ATIA and its Regulations has been delegated to the ATIP Director as well as to the Deputy Commissioner and Senior General Counsel. A copy of the Delegation Order is attached as Appendix A.
Policy, Research and Parliamentary Affairs Directorate
This Directorate develops strategic policy positions on legislative bills, government policies and private sector initiatives; supports the Commissioner’s appearances before Parliament; conducts research on emerging privacy issues; and manages the OPC Contributions Program. It is also the central hub for developing guidance for the public and private sectors.
Enabling Services Sector
The Enabling Services Sector is led by the Deputy Commissioner, Enabling Services. This Sector includes four directorates: Human Resources; Finance and Administration; Information and Technology Services; and Strategic Management.
The Enabling Services Sector provides advice and integrated administrative services related to human resources and people management, financial and resource management, corporate planning, information management and technology analysis, digital transformation and service modernization, as well as general administration support to managers and staff. It is also the central hub for the OPC’s business intelligence functions.
The Information and Technology Services directorate also includes the Technology Analysis Directorate. This directorate identifies and analyzes technological trends and developments in electronic platforms and digital media; conducts research to assess the impact of technology on the protection of personal information in the digital world and provides strategic analysis and guidance on complex, varied and sensitive technological issues involving government and commercial systems that store personal information.
Communications & Stakeholder Relations Directorate
The Communications and Stakeholder Relations Directorate is led by an Executive Director who reports directly to the Privacy Commissioner.
Communications
This Division focuses on providing strategic advice and support for the planning and execution of public education and communications activities. This includes the production and dissemination of information for Canadians and organizations aimed at increasing awareness of privacy rights and obligations through, for example, media relations, speeches, publications, special events, outreach campaigns, social media, and the OPC website, as well as the delivery of translation and linguistic services, media monitoring and analysis, and public opinion research. At the end of the reporting period, the Division was also responsible for responding to requests for information from the public and organizations regarding privacy rights and responsibilities through the OPC’s Information Centre.
International and Domestic Stakeholders Relations Division
This Division serves as the focal point for the Office’s domestic and international engagement. This includes working collaboratively with counterparts and key stakeholders to advance strategic priorities, partnerships, and collaborative efforts related to domestic and international privacy protections, joint initiatives, public education and policy matters. It has established frameworks with a number of counterparts to formalize consultation, cooperation and the sharing of relevant information. The OPC also participates in a number of international privacy protection organizations to help shape and improve privacy policies and standards around the world, which in turn leads to better protection for Canadian’s personal information.
ATIP Division Activities
Training employees
Although training offered to new OPC employees has moved to an online, self-paced learning platform, the ATIP Division continues to offer ad hoc training to individuals and groups.
The ATIP Division also participated in an internal OPC showcase where each directorate had a booth to share their mandate and the work they do, allowing for a deeper understanding of the diverse and impactful efforts across the OPC. The ATIP booth, in conjunction with Legal Services, presented a “Who wants to be a Millionaire?” quiz style of questions and answers.
Access to Information Act Statistical Interpretation
The OPC’s Statistical Report on the ATIA is attached as Appendix B.
The OPC received 73 formal requests under the ATIA in 2024-25. This was in addition to the 3 requests carried forward from the previous year, for a total of 76 requests.
Seven of the requests received during the reporting period were carried forward to the 2025-26 reporting year. Responses were therefore provided to 91 % of all requests handled in 2024-25 during the fiscal year. All seven requests carried over to the next reporting period were received in 2024-25 (all within legislated timelines).
The OPC processed nine requests for consultations received from other institutions during the reporting period on a total of 109 pages. Of the nine requests, four were answered within 15 days, four were answered within 16 to 30 days and one was answered within 31 to 60 days.
The OPC also received 222 informal requests for access to information during this period.
Requests under the ATIA
Text version of Figure 1
Requests under the ATIA
| Year | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Received | 61 | 83 | 73 |
| Transferred | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Processed | 62 | 94 | 69 |
In 2024-25 the ATIP Division closed 69 requests for information received by the OPC and 98.5 % were closed within legislated timelines. These 69 requests represented 10,334 pages of information to process. While the 69 requests processed in 2024-25 represent a 27% decrease compared to the 94 requests processed in 2023-24, there was also a more substantial 68% decrease in the number of pages processed (i.e.,10,334 pages in 2024-25 compared to 32,743 pages the previous year). Of these 69 responses, two were for requests that had been received in 2023-24, one was for a request that had been received in 2021-22.
Extensions were claimed with respect to 11 requests. In all, the OPC responded to 58 requests within the first 30 days. Given the complexities of the information and the requirement to consult with other entities, the extensions claimed for the 11 requests were for more than 30 days.
Of the 69 requests completed during the fiscal year, 16 were for Briefing Notes prepared by the OPC on various topics, including: Bill C-26, artificial intelligence, the 2025 G7 Roundtable, the firearms compensation program and various other subjects.
In addition to the requests for briefing notes, 23 concerned personal matters, seven requests sought access to information regarding investigations or complaints, six related to third-party information, two concerned privacy breaches that were reported to the OPC and the remainder were for miscellaneous information.
The OPC endeavours to release as much information as possible. Of the 69 requests processed, the documents were released in their entirety in 10 cases (14.5%), and in 28 cases (40.6%), the OPC made partial releases. Of the remaining requests, 19 were abandoned by the applicants (27.5%), two (2.9%) had all material exempted, one (1.5%) had all material excluded and nine requests (13%) had no relevant records.
Section 16.1(1)(d) of the ATIA prohibits the OPC from releasing information it obtained during the course of its investigations or audits, even after the matter and all related proceedings have been concluded. However, subject to any applicable exemptions, the OPC cannot refuse to disclose information it created during the course of an investigation or audit, once they and any related proceedings are completed. With respect to requests for access to PA and PIPEDA investigation files, none were disclosed in their entirety–all had some information withheld under section 16.1(1)(d) and in most cases under section 19(1). Additional information was also withheld under section 24 of the ATIA.
The exemption provision invoked most often was section 21(1)(a)(b) (Operations of Government) followed by section 16.1(1)(d) (Investigations conducted by the Privacy Commissioner), section 19(1) (Personal information of others), and section 23 (Solicitor-client privilege). In other cases, this year, the OPC also withheld information under one or more of the following sections of the ATIA: 13(1), 15(1), 16(1), 16(2), 17, 20, and 24.
Requests under the ATIA by source
Text version of Figure 2
Requests under the ATIA by source
| Year | Media | Business | Public | Academia | Declined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/2023 | 23 | 2 | 22 | 4 | 10 |
| 2023/2024 | 26 | 7 | 27 | 11 | 12 |
| 2024/2025 | 22 | 8 | 25 | 3 | 15 |
Of the 73 requests received this reporting year, the media and businesses submitted 22 and eight respectively, for a total of 30 requests (41.1%), while the public submitted 25 requests (34.2%). Academia submitted three requests, which account for 4.1%. Fifteen applicants declined to be identified (20.6%).
Application fees amounted to $325.00 during the reporting period.
In the cases where records were provided, electronic copies were given out on 38 occasions.
Proactive Publication
As a government institution listed in Schedule I of the Access to Information Act, the OPC continues to strive to fulfil its obligation for proactive disclosure requirements to ensure that relevant information is posted online by the prescribed publication timeline.
| Legislative Requirement | Section of ATIA | Publication Timeline | Does requirement apply to your institution? (Y/N) | Internal group(s) or positions(s) responsible for fulfilling requirement | % of proactive publication requirements published within legislated timelines* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply to all Government Institutions as defined in section 3 of the Access to Information Act | |||||
| Travel Expenses | 82 | Within 30 days after the end of the month of reimbursement | Y | Finance, Executive Secretariat, Communications | 92% |
| Hospitality Expenses | 83 | Within 30 days after the end of the month of reimbursement | Y | Finance, Executive Secretariat, Communications | 92% |
| Reports tabled in Parliament | 84 | Within 30 days after tabling | Y | Communications, Privacy Commissioner | 100% |
| Apply to government entities or Departments, agencies, and other bodies subject to the Act and listed in Schedules I, I.1, or II of the Financial Administration Act | |||||
| Contracts over $10,000 | 86 | Q1-3: Within 30 days after the quarter Q4: Within 60 days after the quarter | Y | Finance, Communications | 75% |
| Grants & Contributions over $25,000 | 87 | Within 30 days after the quarter | Y | Finance, Policy, Research and Parliamentary Affairs, Communications | 100% |
| Packages of briefing materials prepared for new or incoming deputy heads or equivalent | 88(a) | Within 120 days after appointment | Y but N/A this F/Y. | Executive Secretariat | N/A |
| Titles and reference numbers of memoranda prepared for a deputy head or equivalent, that is received by their office | 88(b) | Within 30 days after the end of the month received | Y | Executive Secretariat, ATIP, Communications | 92% |
| Packages of briefing materials prepared for a deputy head or equivalent’s appearance before a committee of Parliament | 88(c) | Within 120 days after appearance | Y | Executive Secretariat, Policy, Research and Parliamentary Affairs, ATIP, Communications | 70% |
| Applies to government institutions that are departments named in Schedule I to the Financial Administration Act or portions of the core public administration named in Schedule IV to that Act (i.e. government institutions for which Treasury Board is the employer) | |||||
| Reclassification of positions | 85 | Within 30 days after the quarter | Y | Human resources, Communications | 100% |
| Apply to Ministers’ Offices (therefore apply to any institution that performs proactive publication on behalf of a Minister’s Office) | |||||
| Packages of briefing materials prepared by a government institution for new or incoming ministers | 74(a) | Within 120 days after appointment | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Titles and reference numbers of memoranda prepared by a government institution for the minister, that is received by their office | 74(b) | Within 30 days after the end of the month received | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Package of question period notes prepared by a government institution for the minister and in use on the last sitting day of the House of Commons in June and December | 74(c) | Within 30 days after last sitting day of the House of Common in June and December | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Packages of briefing materials prepared by a government institution for a minister’s appearance before a committee of Parliament | 74(d) | Within 120 days after appearance | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Travel Expenses | 75 | Within 30 days after the end of the month of reimbursement | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hospitality Expenses | 76 | Within 30 days after the end of the month of reimbursement | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Contracts over $10,000 | 77 | Q1-3: Within 30 days after the quarter Q4: Within 60 days after the quarter |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ministers’ Offices Expenses Note: This consolidated report is currently published by TBS on behalf of all institutions. |
78 | Within 120 days after the fiscal year | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|
Links to all OPC Proactive Publications can be found at the following websites: Proactive disclosure on the OPC website |
|||||
Initiatives and Projects to Improve Access to Information
The OPC continued to collaborate with stakeholders with regards to the replacement of the current ATIP request processing software. Efforts towards implementation are ongoing.
Access to Information Act complaints against the OPC
This reporting year, the OPC did not receive any notifications of complaints from the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada (OIC).
For additional information on the OPC’s activities, please visit www.priv.gc.ca.
Additional copies of this report may be obtained from:
Director, Access to Information and Privacy
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
30 Victoria Street, 1st Floor
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 1H3
Access to Information-Related Policy Instruments
While the OPC examined a number of internal policy instruments to confirm that they remained applicable, this exercise did not identify any immediate and pressing changes.
Monitoring Compliance
Processing times for access to information requests are tracked on a weekly basis by the ATIP Division using the access to information management system and weekly team meetings.
Obligations under the Access to Information Act are incorporated into contracts and information sharing agreements and arrangements using standard clauses to ensure public access rights are recognized.
Each sector within the OPC is responsible for monitoring the accuracy and completeness of proactively published information within their area of responsibility. Quarterly monitoring occurs at the Director and Deputy Commissioner levels.
Appendix A – Access to Information Act
Delegation Order
Pursuant to subsection 95(1) of the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, as the head of the government institution, hereby delegates the following powers, duties, or functions to the person holding the position set out below, or to the person occupying on an acting basis that position, as specified below:
| Position | Legislative Authority |
|---|---|
| Director, ATIP Deputy Commissioner and Senior General Counsel |
Access to Information Act: Full authority Access to Information Regulations: Full authority |
For greater clarity, this delegation to the position set out above, or to the person occupying on an acting basis that position, includes all powers, duties, and functions as they existed prior to June 21, 2019 under section 73 of the Access to Information Act to be exercised with respect to any complaint, investigation, application, judicial review or appeal that was initiated before June 21, 2019.
This delegation of authority supersedes any previous delegation of the powers, duties and functions set out herein.
Dated at the City of Gatineau, this 6th day of February, 2024.
(Original signed by)
Philippe Dufresne
Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Access to Information Act
4(2.1) Shall assist the person in connection with the request, respond to the request accurately and completely and provide timely access in the format requested
7 Respond to request for access within 30 days; give access or give notice
8(1) Transfer of Request to government institution with greater interest
9 Extend time limit for responding to request for access
11(2), (3), (4), (5), (6) Additional fees
12(2)(b) Decide whether to translate requested record
12(3) Decide whether to give access in an alternative format
13(1) Shall refuse to disclose information obtained in confidence from another government
13(2) May disclose any information referred to in 13(1) if the other government consents to the disclosure or makes the information public
14 May refuse to disclose information injurious to the conduct of federal-provincial affairs
15 May refuse to disclose information injurious to international affairs or defence
16 Series of discretionary exemptions related to law enforcement and investigations; security; and policing services for provinces or municipalities.
16.1(1) In force April 1, 2007 – Specific to four named Officers of Parliament – Auditor General, Commissioner of Official Languages, Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner – shall refuse to disclose information obtained or created by them in the course of an investigation or audit
16.1(2) In force April 1, 2007 – Specific to two named Officers of Parliament – Information and Privacy Commissioner – shall not refuse under 16.1(1) to disclose any information created by the Commissioner in the course of an investigation or audit once the investigation or audit and related proceedings are concluded
17 May refuse to disclose information which could threaten the safety of individuals
18 May refuse to disclose information related to economic interests of Canada
18.1(1) May refuse to disclose confidential commercial information of Canada Post Corporation, Export Development Canada, Public Sector Pension Investment Board, or VIA Rail Inc.
18.1(2) Shall not refuse under 18.1(1) to disclose information relating to general administration of the institution
19 Shall refuse to disclose personal information as defined in section 3 of the Privacy Act, but may disclose if individual consents, if information is publicly available, or disclosure is in accordance with section 8 of Privacy Act
20 Shall refuse to disclose third party information, subject to exceptions
21 May refuse to disclose records containing advice or recommendations
22 May refuse to disclose information relating to testing or auditing procedures
22.1 May refuse to disclose draft report of an internal audit
23 May refuse to disclose information subject to solicitor/client privilege
24 Shall refuse to disclose information where statutory prohibition (Schedule II)
25 Shall disclose any part of record that can reasonably be severed
26 May refuse to disclose where information to be published
27(1), (4) Third party notification
28(1), (2), (4) Receive representations of third party
29(1) Disclosure on recommendation of Information Commissioner
32 Receive notice of investigation by Information Commissioner
33 Advise Information Commissioner of third party involvement
35(2) Right to make representations to the Information Commissioner during an investigation
37(1) Receive Information Commissioner’s report of findings of the investigation and give notice of action taken
37(4) Give complainant access to information after 37(1)(b) notice
43(1) Notice to third party (application to Federal court for review)
44(2) Notice to applicant (application to federal Court by third party)
52(2)(b) Request that section 52 hearing be held in the National Capital Region
52(3) Request and be given right to make representations in section 51 hearings
69 Refuse to provide information that is excluded from the Act as a cabinet confidence
71 Provide facilities for public to inspect manuals; exempt information may be severed from manuals
72(1) Prepare annual report to Parliament
Access to Information Regulations
5 Inform requester of certain procedures regarding access
6(1) Procedures relating to transfer of access request to another government institution under 8(1) of the Act
7(2) and (3) Require payment of additional fees for access in certain situations
8 Form of Access
8.1 Determinations with respect to the conversion of records into different formats
Appendix B – Statistical Report
Statistical Report on the Access to Information Act
Name of institution: Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Reporting period: 2024-04-01 to 2025-03-31
Section 1: Requests Under the Access to Information Act
1.1 Number of requests
| Requests | Number of requests |
|---|---|
| Received during reporting period | 73 |
| Outstanding from previous reporting periods | 3 |
| • Outstanding from previous reporting period | 2 |
| • Outstanding from more than one reporting period | 1 |
| Total | 76 |
| Closed during reporting period | 69 |
| Carried over to next reporting period | 7 |
| • Carried over within legislated timeline | 7 |
| • Carried over beyond legislated timeline | 0 |
1.2 Sources of requests
| Source | Number of requests |
|---|---|
| Media | 22 |
| Academia | 3 |
| Business (private sector) | 8 |
| Organization | 0 |
| Public | 25 |
| Decline to Identify | 15 |
| Total | 73 |
1.3 Channels of requests
| Source | Number of requests |
|---|---|
| Online | 72 |
| 0 | |
| 1 | |
| In person | 0 |
| Phone | 0 |
| Fax | 0 |
| Total | 73 |
Section 2: Informal Requests
2.1 Number of informal requests
| Informal requests | Number of requests |
|---|---|
| Received during reporting period | 222 |
| Outstanding from previous reporting periods | 0 |
| • Outstanding from previous reporting period | 0 |
| • Outstanding from more than one reporting period | 0 |
| Total | 222 |
| Closed during reporting period | 222 |
| Carried over to next reporting period | 0 |
2.2 Channels of informal requests
| Source | Number of requests |
|---|---|
| Online | 222 |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| In person | 0 |
| Phone | 0 |
| Fax | 0 |
| Total | 222 |
2.3 Completion time of informal requests
| Completion time | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 15 Days | 16 to 30 Days | 31 to 60 Days | 61 to 120 Days | 121 to 180 Days | 181 to 365 Days | More Than 365 Days | |
| 220 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 222 |
2.4 Pages released informally
| Less Than 100 Pages Released | 100-500 Pages Released | 501-1000 Pages Released | 1001-5000 Pages Released | More Than 5000 Pages Released | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of requests | Pages Released | Number of requests | Pages Released | Number of requests | Pages Released | Number of requests | Pages Released | Number of requests | Pages Released |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2.5 Pages re-released informally
| Less Than 100 Pages Re-released | 100-500 Pages Re-released | 501-1000 Pages Re-released | 1001-5000 Pages Re-released | More Than 5000 Pages Re-released | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of requests | Pages Re-released | Number of requests | Pages Re-released | Number of requests | Pages Re-released | Number of requests | Pages Re-released | Number of requests | Pages Re-released |
| 169 | 2717 | 35 | 8472 | 11 | 7895 | 6 | 15799 | 1 | 6245 |
Section 3: Applications to the Information Commissioner on Declining to Act on Requests
| Applications | Number of requests |
|---|---|
| Outstanding from previous reporting period | 0 |
| Sent during reporting period | 0 |
| Total | 0 |
| Approved by the Information Commissioner during reporting period | 0 |
| Declined by the Information Commissioner during reporting period | 0 |
| Withdrawn during reporting period | 0 |
| Carried over to next reporting period | 0 |
Section 4: Requests Closed During the Reporting Period
4.1 Disposition and completion time
| Disposition of Requests | Completion Time | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 15 Days | 16 to 30 Days | 31 to 60 Days | 61 to 120 Days | 121 to 180 Days | 181 to 365 Days | More Than 365 Days | Total | |
| All disclosed | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Disclosed in part | 2 | 15 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 28 |
| All exempted | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| All excluded | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| No records exist | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Request transferred | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Request abandoned | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| Neither confirmed nor denied | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 23 | 35 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 69 |
4.2 Exemptions
| Section | Number of requests |
Section | Number of requests |
Section | Number of requests |
Section | Number of requests |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13(1)(a) | 0 | 16(2) | 3 | 18(a) | 0 | 20.1 | 0 | |
| 13(1)(b) | 1 | 16(2)(a) | 0 | 18(b) | 0 | 20.2 | 0 | |
| 13(1)(c) | 0 | 16(2)(b) | 1 | 18(c) | 0 | 20.4 | 0 | |
| 13(1)(d) | 0 | 16(2)(c) | 2 | 18(d) | 0 | 21(1)(a) | 10 | |
| 13(1)(e) | 0 | 16(3) | 0 | 18.1(1)(a) | 0 | 21(1)(b) | 9 | |
| 14 | 0 | 16.1(1)(a) | 0 | 18.1(1)(b) | 0 | 21(1)(c) | 0 | |
| 14(a) | 0 | 16.1(1)(b) | 0 | 18.1(1)(c) | 0 | 21(1)(d) | 0 | |
| 14(b) | 0 | 16.1(1)(c) | 0 | 18.1(1)(d) | 0 | 22 | 0 | |
| 15(1) | 2 | 16.1(1)(d) | 15 | 19(1) | 14 | 22.1(1) | 0 | |
| 15(1) – I.A.Footnote * | 0 | 16.2(1) | 0 | 20(1)(a) | 0 | 23 | 7 | |
| 15(1) – Def.Footnote ** | 0 | 16.3 | 0 | 20(1)(b) | 2 | 23.1 | 0 | |
| 15(1) – S.A.Footnote *** | 0 | 16.4(1)(a) | 0 | 20(1)(b.1) | 0 | 24(1) | 1 | |
| 16(1)(a)(i) | 0 | 16.4(1)(b) | 0 | 20(1)(c) | 0 | 26 | 0 | |
| 16(1)(a)(ii) | 0 | 16.5 | 0 | 20(1)(d) | 0 | |||
| 16(1)(a)(iii) | 0 | 16.6 | 0 | |||||
| 16(1)(b) | 2 | 17 | 1 | |||||
| 16(1)(c) | 1 | |||||||
| 16(1)(d) | 0 | |||||||
4.3 Exclusions
| Section | Number of requests |
Section | Number of requests |
Section | Number of requests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68(a) | 1 | 69(1) | 0 | 69(1)(g) re (a) | 0 |
| 68(b) | 0 | 69(1)(a) | 0 | 69(1)(g) re (b) | 0 |
| 68(c) | 0 | 69(1)(b) | 0 | 69(1)(g) re (c) | 0 |
| 68.1 | 0 | 69(1)(c) | 0 | 69(1)(g) re (d) | 0 |
| 68.2(a) | 0 | 69(1)(d) | 0 | 69(1)(g) re (e) | 0 |
| 68.2(b) | 0 | 69(1)(e) | 0 | 69(1)(g) re (f) | 0 |
| 69(1)(f) | 0 | 69.1(1) | 0 |
4.4 Format of information released
| Paper | Electronic | Other | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-record | Data set | Video | Audio | ||
| 0 | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
4.5 Complexity
4.5.1 Relevant pages processed and disclosed for paper and e-record formats
| Number of Pages Processed | Number of Pages Disclosed | Number of requests |
|---|---|---|
| 103,343 | 3,567 | 60 |
4.5.2 Relevant pages processed per request disposition for paper and e-record formats by size of requests
| Disposition | Less Than 100 Pages Processed | 100-500 Pages Processed | 501-1000 Pages Processed | 1001-5000 Pages Processed | More than 5000 Pages Processed | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of requests | Pages Processed | Number of requests | Pages Processed | Number of requests | Pages Processed | Number of requests | Pages Processed | Number of requests | Pages Processed | |
| All disclosed | 10 | 134 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Disclosed in part | 18 | 354 | 6 | 1760 | 2 | 1486 | 2 | 5998 | 0 | 0 |
| All exempted | 0 | 0 | 2 | 574 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| All excluded | 1 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Request abandoned | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Neither confirmed nor denied | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 48 | 516 | 8 | 2334 | 2 | 1486 | 2 | 5998 | 0 | 0 |
4.5.3 Relevant minutes processed and disclosed for audio formats
| Number of Minutes Processed | Number of Minutes Disclosed | Number of requests |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
4.5.4 Relevant minutes processed per request disposition for audio formats by size of requests
| Disposition | Less Than 60 Minutes Processed | 60 – 120 Minutes Processed | More than 120 Minutes Processed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of requests | Minutes Processed | Number of requests | Minutes Processed | Number of requests | Minutes Processed | |
| All disclosed | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Disclosed in part | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| All exempted | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| All excluded | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Request abandoned | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Neither confirmed nor denied | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
4.5.5 Relevant minutes processed and disclosed for video formats
| Number of Minutes Processed | Number of Minutes Disclosed | Number of requests |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
4.5.6 Relevant minutes processed per request disposition for video formats by size of requests
| Disposition | Less Than 60 Minutes Processed | 60 – 120 Minutes Processed | More than 120 Minutes Processed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of requests | Minutes Processed | Number of requests | Minutes Processed | Number of requests | Minutes Processed | |
| All disclosed | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Disclosed in part | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| All exempted | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| All excluded | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Request abandoned | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Neither confirmed nor denied | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
4.5.7 Other complexities
| Disposition | Consultation Required | Legal Advice Sought | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All disclosed | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Disclosed in part | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| All exempted | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| All excluded | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Request abandoned | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Neither confirmed nor denied | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 21 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
4.6 Closed requests
4.6.1 Requests closed within legislated timelines
| Number of requests closed within legislated timelines | 68 |
|---|---|
| Percentage of requests closed within legislated timelines (%) | 98.55072464 |
4.7 Deemed refusals
4.7.1 Reasons for not meeting legislated timelines
| Number of requests closed past the legislated timelines | Principal Reason | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interference with operations/ Workload | External Consultation | Internal Consultation | Other | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
4.7.2 Requests closed beyond legislated timelines (including any extension taken)
| Number of days past legislated timelines | Number of requests past legislated timeline where no extension was taken | Number of requests past legislated timeline where an extension was taken | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 15 days | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 to 30 days | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 to 60 days | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 61 to 120 days | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 121 to 180 days | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 181 to 365 days | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| More than 365 days | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 0 | 1 | 1 |
4.8 Requests for translation
| Translation Requests | Accepted | Refused | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| English to French | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| French to English | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Section 5: Extensions
5.1 Reasons for extensions and disposition of requests
| Disposition of Requests Where an Extension Was Taken | 9(1)(a) Interference With Operations/ Workload | 9(1)(b) Consultation | 9(1)(c) Third-Party Notice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 69 | Other | |||
| All disclosed | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Disclosed in part | 1 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
| All exempted | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| All excluded | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Request abandoned | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| No records exist | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
5.2 Length of extensions
| Length of Extensions | 9(1)(a) Interference With Operations/ Workload | 9(1)(b) Consultation | 9(1)(c) Third-Party Notice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 69 | Other | |||
| 30 days or less | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 to 60 days | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 61 to 120 days | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| 121 to 180 days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 181 to 365 days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 365 days or more | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
Section 6: Fees
| Fee Type | Fee Collected | Fee Waived | Fee Refunded | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of requests | Amount | Number of requests | Amount | Number of requests | Amount | |
| Application | 65 | $325.00 | 8 | $40.00 | 0 | $0.00 |
| Other fees | 0 | $0.00 | 0 | $0.00 | 0 | $0.00 |
| Total | 65 | $325.00 | 8 | $40.00 | 0 | $0.00 |
Section 7: Consultations Received From Other Institutions and Organizations
7.1 Consultations received from other Government of Canada institutions and other organizations
| Consultations | Other Government of Canada Institutions | Number of Pages to Review | Other Organizations | Number of Pages to Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Received during the reporting period | 9 | 109 | 0 | 0 |
| Outstanding from the previous reporting period | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 9 | 109 | 0 | 0 |
| Closed during the reporting period | 9 | 109 | 0 | 0 |
| Carried over within negotiated timelines | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carried over beyond negotiated timelines | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
7.2 Recommendations and completion time for consultations received from other Government of Canada institutions
| Recommendation | Number of Days Required to Complete Consultation Requests | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 15 Days | 16 to 30 Days | 31 to 60 Days | 61 to 120 Days | 121 to 180 Days | 181 to 365 Days | More Than 365 Days | Total | |
| Disclose entirely | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Disclose in part | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Exempt entirely | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exclude entirely | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Consult other institution | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
7.3 Recommendations and completion time for consultations received from other organizations outside the Government of Canada
| Recommendation | Number of Days Required to Complete Consultation Requests | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 15 Days | 16 to 30 Days | 31 to 60 Days | 61 to 120 Days | 121 to 180 Days | 181 to 365 Days | More Than 365 Days | Total | |
| Disclose entirely | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Disclose in part | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exempt entirely | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exclude entirely | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Consult other institution | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Section 8: Completion Time of Consultations on Cabinet Confidences
8.1 Requests with Legal Services
| Number of Days | Fewer Than 100 Pages Processed | 100-500 Pages Processed | 501-1000 Pages Processed | 1001-5000 Pages Processed | More Than 5000 Pages Processed | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | |
| 1 to 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 to 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 to 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 61 to 120 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 121 to 180 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 181 to 365 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| More than 365 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
8.2 Requests with Privy Council Office
| Number of Days | Fewer Than 100 Pages Processed | 100-500 Pages Processed | 501-1000 Pages Processed | 1001-5000 Pages Processed | More Than 5000 Pages Processed | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | Number of requests | Pages Disclosed | |
| 1 to 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 to 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 to 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 61 to 120 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 121 to 180 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 181 to 365 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| More than 365 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Section 9: Investigations and Reports of finding
9.1 Investigations
| Section 32 Notice of intention to investigate | Subsection 30(5) Ceased to investigate | Section 35 Formal Representations |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
9.2 Investigations and Reports of finding
| Section 37(1) Initial Reports | Section 37(2) Final Reports | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Received | Containing recommendations issued by the Information Commissioner | Containing orders issued by the Information Commissioner | Received | Containing recommendations issued by the Information Commissioner | Containing orders issued by the Information Commissioner |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Section 10: Court Action
10.1 Court actions on complaints
| Section 41 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complainant (1) | Institution (2) | Third Party (3) | Privacy Commissioner (4) | Total |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
10.2 Court actions on third party notifications under paragraph 28(1)(b)
| Section 44 – under paragraph 28(1)(b) |
|---|
| 0 |
Section 11: Resources Related to the Access to Information Act
11.1 Allocated Costs
| Expenditures | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salaries | $117,680 |
| Overtime | $0 |
| Goods and Services | $0 |
| • Professional services contracts | $0 |
| • Other | $0 |
| Total | $117,680 |
11.2 Human Resources
| Resources | Person Years Dedicated to Access to Information Activities |
|---|---|
| Full-time employees | 1.095 |
| Part-time and casual employees | 0.000 |
| Regional staff | 0.000 |
| Consultants and agency personnel | 0.000 |
| Students | 0.000 |
| Total | 1.095 |
| Note: Enter values to three decimal places. | |
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