Access to Information Modernization Action Plan Tracker

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Action:
Develop guidance on the importance of the public interest when using discretionary exemptions under the Access to Information Act (ATIA).
Organization:
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Category:
(C02) Enhancing Trust and Transparency
Subcategory:
(C02.3) Actions to support the right of access and consistent application of exceptions
Status:
Completed
Action Number:
C02.3.2
Target Date:
Fiscal Year 2024-25
Benefits:

Access to information (ATI) professionals give public interest greater importance when applying discretionary exemptions under the ATIA.

Canadians receive more records in response to ATI requests because public interest was considered.

Results:

In August 2024, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) published an updated version of Chapter 10 – General Information on Exemptions of the Access to Information Manual. The chapter provides information on the nature of exemptions under the Access to Information Act, on applying discretionary and mandatory exemptions, and on best practices in the context of processing and responding to access to information requests, including on considering the public interest.

Further, in October 2024, TBS delivered an InfoBlitz training session through the Access to Information and Privacy Communities Development Office to provide additional information and respond to questions related to the content of Chapter 10. 225 participants attended, and the session recording was posted to the ATIP Professionals GCcollab group.