Access to Information Modernization Action Plan Tracker

Action:
Publish a plain language guide to exemptions and exclusions.
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:
C02.3.5
Target Date:
Fiscal Year 2023-24
Benefits:

The guide, available publicly, explains to Canadians why certain information requested under the Access to Information Act (ATIA) is not disclosed.

Canadians can more easily understand why certain information may be withheld under the ATIA.

Results:

In September 2023, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) published the Access to Information Act: Plain Language Guide to Exemptions and Exclusions. The guide provides a plain language description of each of the exemptions and exclusions in the ATIA, as well as the rationale for their application. The guide is intended for people who want more information on the exemptions and exclusions to access to information and personal information requests and will help them understand why some of the information they requested has been redacted or not released.