The Access to Information Act (ATIA) was passed in 1983 at a time when government records were primarily paper-based, and technology was not very advanced. The first substantive reform of the ATIA occurred in 2019 with the enactment of Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. However, the evidence heard by the Committee confirms that Canada’s access to information system continues to have flaws.

In this report, the Committee reviews Canada’s access to information system and explains its important role in a democratic society. The report looks at critiques of the access to information system and addresses six specific issues raised by witnesses: systemic delays; access to information in immigration matters; Indigenous peoples’ access to information; access to information for victims of abuse in the military; whistleblower protection; and access to historical documents. It also examines the state of access to information in certain federal institutions.

Then, the report examines legislative and non-legislative measures for improving Canada’s access to information system. It also looks at the powers, independence, and resources of the Information Commissioner of Canada. Finally, it addresses the report on the review of access to information that Treasury Board presented to Parliament in December 2022.

In light of the evidence heard, the Committee presents recommendations for improving Canada’s access to information system and the applicable legislative framework.