Access to Information Modernization Action Plan Tracker

Action:
Review reporting requirements on the timeliness of responses provided to access to information (ATI) requests received in French and in English.
Organization:
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Category:
(C01) Improving Services to Canadians
Subcategory:
(C01.3) Actions to provide modern digital tools and improve request processing
Status:
Completed
Action Number:
C01.3.8
Target Date:
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Benefits:

Timeliness of responses on ATI requests in both official languages is transparent for Canadians.

Results:

Every year, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) collects statistical information from government institutions on the administration of the Access to Information Act. Aggregate data is published through the Statistics on the Access to Information and Privacy Acts and raw data is made available through the Open Government Portal.

Statistical collection encompasses approximately 850 data points. It does not include any statistics on the language in which requests are made. Any measure of limited and anecdotal reporting on the issue would require TBS to increase reporting burden on institutions, which would be contrary to ongoing and broader efforts to streamline and decrease the reporting obligations to which institutions are subject.

As such, no additional reporting requirements are being considered at this time. TBS will continue to remind institutions of their obligation to process requests and treat requesters without regard for identity or for preferred language of communication.