Information Commissioner initiates a systemic investigation into the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Gatineau, Quebec, March 11, 2020 – Today, during a parliamentary committee appearance, the Information Commissioner of Canada announced that she has initiated a systemic investigation into the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The investigation will look at the processing of access to information requests, based on a large influx of delay and time extension complaints recently received by her office.

The Access to Information Act provides under section 30(3) that the Information Commissioner may initiate a complaint if there are reasonable grounds to investigate a matter relating to requesting or obtaining access to records.

The Act contains strict confidentiality provisions to protect the integrity of investigations under the Act. As such, no additional information or comments can be provided.