Federal Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard laments that the COVID-19 “excuse” is still being used by departments that are slow to release documents.
This is unacceptablehe decided on Monday while testifying before the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics.
” Institutions have had more than two years to adapt to the reality of a pandemic and the challenges it poses to our lives and work environments. “
Under the Access to Information Act, federal departments and agencies are required to respond within 30 days to citizens attempting to obtain records. However, Ottawa regularly gives itself more time to actually follow up on these requests.
The team of Ms. Ménard has faced a huge increase in complaints for non -compliance with the departments ’legal obligations and he believes the long deadlines given are the source of the influx of requests.
In front of parliamentarians, he said that between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022, his office received nearly 7,000 complaints, representing an increase of 70% compared to last year.
To investigate each complaint as soon as possible, he said the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada needs to stop projects and redirect as many resources as possible to deal with these files.
The commissioner is asking for additional resources because his team is unable to do so keep the rhythm and the list of complaints to be dealt with continues to grow.
When judged established, these complaints make it possible to force the hand of departments to disclose information.
He invited ministries to improve their performance today. No need to wait for legislative changes to actdid he say.
Source: Radio-Canada
