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Annual Report to Parliament on the Administration of the Access to Information Act April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada (ATSSC) is pleased to present to Parliament its annual report on the administration of the Access to Information Act (the Act), in accordance with section 94 of the Access to Information Act and section 20 of the Service Fees Act. This Report provides an analysis of the information contained in the ATSSC's Statistical Report on the Access to Information Act for fiscal year commencing April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. In addition, it reports on emerging trends, training activities, complaints, and monitoring with respect to the ATSSC's administration of the Act.

The purpose of the Access to Information Act is to provide a right of access to information in records under the control of a government institution. It maintains that government information should be available to the public, that necessary exceptions to the right of access should be limited and specific, and that decisions on the disclosure of government information should be reviewed independently of government.

The Act is intended to complement and not replace existing procedures for access to records and is not intended to limit in any way access to the information that is normally available to the public.

The ATSSC is fully committed to both the spirit and the intent of the Act to foster a culture of openness and transparency within the organization.

This Annual Report is not intended to fulfill reporting requirements for any non-operational (“paper”) subsidiaries of the institution, or any other non-operational institutions.

ATSSC Mandate

The ATSSC was established with the coming into force on November 1, 2014, of the Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada Act. The ATSSC is responsible for providing support services and facilities to 11 federal administrative tribunals by way of a single, integrated organization. Additionally, the ATSSC provides facilities and administrative support to the National Joint Council and supports the Environmental Protection Tribunal of Canada through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

These services include the specialized services required to support the mandate of each tribunal (e.g., registry, research and analysis, legal and other mandate or case activities), as well as internal services (e.g., human resources, financial services, information management and technology, accommodation, security, planning and communications). Through these specialized services, the ATSSC supports improving access to justice for Canadians.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada is responsible for the ATSSC. The Chief Administrator is the Deputy Head of the ATSSC.

The administrative tribunals supported by the ATSSC include:

Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal (CART)

The CART is an independent administrative tribunal that makes impartial decisions about administrative monetary penalties and warnings imposed for alleged violations of Federal agriculture and agri-food legislation and regulations.

Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB)

The CIRB is an independent, representational and quasi-judicial tribunal. Its mandate is to contribute to, and promote, a harmonious industrial relations climate in the federally regulated sector. It also ensures that federal workplaces comply with health and safety legislation and minimum employment standards.

The CIRB is responsible for interpreting and administering Part I (Industrial Relations) and certain sections of Part II (Occupational Health and Safety), Part III (Standard Hours, Wages, Vacations and Holidays) and Part IV (Administrative Monetary Penalties) of the Code.

The CIRB is also responsible for interpreting and administering Part II (Professional Relations) of the Status of the Artist Act and dealing with appeals under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act.

Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board (CCPERB)

The CCPERB is empowered under the Cultural Property Export and Import Act (the Act) to provide access to justice for applicants seeking review of refused cultural property export permits, as well as to administer provisions of the Act that support the ongoing acquisition, preservation, exchange, and access to cultural property within Canada. It performs a vital function through this work, enhancing Canada’s public collections and contributing to the preservation of cultural property of outstanding significance and/or national importance.

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT)

The Canadian Human Rights Act protects people from discrimination and ensures equal rights for everyone. It prohibits discrimination based on factors like race, religion, gender, age or disability in federally regulated areas such as workplaces, government services and housing. The CHRT hears appeals about pay equity for employees in the federal sector. With the passing of the Accessible Canada Act, the Tribunal has the role of hearing appeals about barriers to accessibility. The CHRT is also mandated to review directions and assessments made under the Employment Equity Act.

Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT)

The CITT is recognized, in Canada and on the international stage, for its ability to adjudicate trade disputes in a rigorous, fair, transparent and timely fashion. The Tribunal provides Canadian and international businesses decisions and determinations on trade remedy inquiries, federal government procurement inquiries, and customs duties and excise tax appeals. At the request of the Government, the Tribunal can also provide advice in economic and tariff matters.

Competition Tribunal (CT)

The CT is a specialized tribunal that combines expertise in economics and business with expertise in law. The Tribunal is strictly an adjudicative body that operates independently of any government department.

The cases it hears deal with matters such as business mergers; abuse of dominant position; agreements between competitors; refusal to comply; price maintenance; other restrictive trade practices; deceptive marketing practices; specialization agreements; delivered pricing; foreign judgments, law and directives that adversely affect economic activity in Canada; and refusals to supply by foreign suppliers.

Matters before the Tribunal are usually of national interest and large in scope and complexity, and can involve significant financial stakes and directly impact on the competitiveness of private enterprise and industry.

Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSLREB)

The FPSLREB is an independent quasi-judicial statutory tribunal established by the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board Act (FPSLREBA), which came into force on November 1, 2014. The FPSLREB is responsible for administering the collective bargaining and grievance adjudication systems in the federal public service and in Parliament. It is also responsible for the resolution of staffing complaints related to internal appointments and layoffs in the federal public service. It can also receive complaints about appointments that were made to comply with an order in a previous FPSLREB decision, as well as revocations of internal appointments.

Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal (PSDPT)

The PSDPT was established in 2007. It is a quasi-judicial body that operates independently from any Canadian federal department. The tribunal was created to enhance public confidence in the integrity of public servants and to protect from reprisals, those who report wrongdoing.

Social Security Tribunal of Canada (SST)

The SST is an independent administrative tribunal that makes decisions on social security appeals. The SST is committed to providing Canadians with an appeal process that’s simple, quick and fair.

The SST hears appeals related to:

  • Employment Insurance Benefits

  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits

  • Other CPP benefits

  • Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits

Specific Claims Tribunal Canada (SCT)

The SCT, established on October 16, 2008, is part of the federal government’s Justice at Last policy and the product of a historic joint initiative with the Assembly of First Nations aimed at accelerating the resolution of specific claims in order to provide justice for First Nations claimants and certainty for government, industry, and all Canadians.

The Tribunal has jurisdiction over claims that are not accepted for negotiation within three years or, if accepted, have been in negotiation for three years without reaching a settlement. Proceedings before the Tribunal are neither an appeal nor a review of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations’ decision.

Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada (TATC)

The TATC mandate is to conduct independent reviews and appeal hearings on administrative and enforcement actions taken by the Minister of Transport and the Canadian Transportation Agency at the request of affected parties from across Canada’s transportation sectors.

Environmental Protection Tribunal of Canada (EPTC)

The EPTC is a group of expert adjudicators (called Review Officers) who carry out review hearings of Administrative Monetary Penalties and Compliance Orders issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) enforcement officers. The EPTC is independent from ECCC and was formerly known as Environmental Protection Review Canada.

National Joint Council (NJC)

The National Joint Council of the Public Service of Canada is the Forum of Choice for co-development, consultation and information sharing between the government as employer and public service bargaining agents.

Through the National Joint Council (NJC), the parties work together to resolve problems and establish terms of employment that apply across the public service. NJC subjects include government travel, relocation, commuting assistance, isolated posts and government housing, foreign service directives, work force adjustment, safety and health, the bilingual bonus and public service health plans. 

Organizational Structure

The Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Office is responsible for administering the Access to Information Act on behalf of the ATSSC. Its mandate is to ensure compliance with the legislation, regulations, and government policy and to create organizational standards and directives relating to the Act. Responsibility for the powers, duties and functions for the administration of the Act has been formally established and is outlined in the Delegation Order for the purpose of the Access to Information Act and Access to Information Regulations signed by the ATSSC Chief Administrator (Appendix A – Delegation Order).

At the ATSSC, the Chief Administrator delegates their powers, authorities and responsibilities to:

  • the Director General, Corporate Services Branch;

  • the Corporate Secretary; and

  • the ATIP Manager, Access to Information and Privacy Office.

As ATSSC’s Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator, the Manager of the Access to Information and Privacy Office has delegated authority on matters concerning Access to Information and Privacy. The ATIP Office is part of the Corporate Secretariat, found within the Corporate Services Branch of the organization. It is the central coordinating body for all requests received by ATSSC under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The Office consists of one manager and two analysts. The ATIP Office received support services from an ATIP consultant dedicated to privacy activities during this reporting period.

The ATIP Office receives, coordinates and processes requests in accordance with the Act, promotes awareness within the organization and fulfills reporting responsibilities relating to the Act. The ATIP Office also provides expert advice and guidance to senior management and ATSSC staff on matters relating to the application and interpretation of the Act.

The ATSSC has not entered into any service agreements under section 96 of the Access to Information Act during this reporting period.

Part 2 - Proactive Publication

The government is committed to raising the bar for openness and transparency and is taking steps to become “open by default,” by sharing an increasing amount of government data and information with Canadians.

To support that commitment, a new part of the Act requires institutions to proactively publish specific information known to be of interest to the public, to provide greater transparency and accountability for the use of public funds.

The ATSSC is committed to this initiative and strives to fulfill its obligations through it’s Framework on Proactive Publications and by offering training to facilitate the proactive publication requirements. Within the framework, certain units have been assigned the responsibility of proactively publishing the various requirements within the prescribed timelines as set out in Part 2 of the Act (Table 1). The ATIP Office is responsible for ensuring that the information is published within the prescribed timelines and compliance reports are shared with the Director General’s Office (DGO) on a quarterly basis.

Table 1 – Responsibilities of Proactive Publication

Legislative Requirement Section Responsibilities of Proactive Publication within the ATSSC
Travel Expenses 82 Finance Directorate
Hospitality Expenses 83 Finance Directorate
Reports tabled in Parliament 84 Corporate Secretariat
Contracts over $10,000 86 Security and Administrative Services Directorate
Packages of briefing materials prepared for new or incoming deputy heads or equivalent 88(a) Corporate Services Director General Office
Titles and reference numbers of memoranda prepared for a deputy head or equivalent, that is received by their office 88(b) Office of the Chief Administrator
Packages of briefing materials prepared for a deputy head or equivalent’s appearance before a committee of Parliament 88(c) Corporate Services Director General Office
Reclassification of positions 85 Human Resources Directorate

Performance for 2023-2024

This section highlights key information on the Department’s performance for fiscal year 2023-2024. See Appendix B for the complete Statistical Report.

During the reporting period, the ATSSC received a total of 45 formal requests under the Act. This was in addition to two (2) requests carried forward from the previous fiscal year, for a total of 47 requests. Of these 47 requests, 41 requests were completed. The remaining six (6) requests were carried forward into the new fiscal year (2024-2025).

The ATSSC responded to 40 formal access to information requests within the legislated timelines which represents 98% of the 41 requests closed in 2023-2024.

Since its creation in November 2014, the number of formal requests received appears to have no particular trend and fluctuates from one reporting period to the next. However, during the reporting period of 2022-2023, the department saw a 32% decrease in formal requests received compared to the reporting period 2021-2022, and a more significant decrease of 53% compared to fiscal year 2020-2021 (Table 2). The number of requests received during this reporting period increase by 11% comparatively to the previous reporting period (45 requests received versus 40 in the previous reporting period).

However, the overall volume of requests when factoring all three categories (formal, informal and consultations) received by the ATSSC has increased by 50% from 62 requests in 2016-2017 to 123 requests in 2023-2024 with a significant increase in informal requests since 2021-2022.

Table 2 – Overview of formal requests received by the ATSSC pursuant to the Act

Fiscal Year Number of Formal Requests Received Informal Requests Received Consultation Requests Total Requests
2023-24 45 68 10 123
2022-23 40 32 18 90
2021-22 59 24 39 122
2020-21 85 5 17 107
2019-20 38 1 30 69
2018-19 45 13 31 89
2017-18 23 19 43 85
2016-17 18 17 27 62

Consultations

In addition to processing its own requests, the ATIP Office also provides recommendations to other institutions regarding the release of records that concern the ATSSC. This reporting period, the ATSSC received 10 consultation requests from other federal institutions. All consultation requests were responded to during this fiscal year; none were carried forward. Of the 10 requests completed, full disclosure of the records was recommended in 7 cases and a partial release in 3 cases. The number of consultation requests received from other institutions appears to be on a downward trend since the 2021-2022 reporting period (Table 2).

Active Requests

This reporting period, six (6) requests have been carried forward to the next reporting period (2024-2025), two (2) of which are past the legislated timelines.

Informal Requests

Requests can be made for records previously disclosed under the Act, which are referred to as “Informal Requests”. Summaries of previously disclosed requests are published monthly on the OpenGovernment website, as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to openness and transparency. There has been a significant increase in informal requests from 2019-2020 to this reporting period, from one (1) request to 68.

Disposition of Completed Requests

During this reporting period, the ATSSC completed 41 requests under the Act, two (2) (equivalent to 5%) of which resulted in a full release and 10 (equivalent to 25%) in a partial release of the information sought. None of the information sought was withheld entirely.

Other requests that did not result in the disclosure of records were as follows:

No Records Exist

Twenty-four requests could not be processed because relevant records under the control of the ATSSC did not exist. Where possible, applicants were advised of other government institutions that may have records and were provided with contact information accordingly.

Request Abandoned

Two (2) requests were abandoned by applicants. In most abandoned cases, clarification was needed from the applicants to process their requests. When the applicants do not provide clarification, the requests are deemed as abandoned. In other cases, the applicants choose to abandon their requests.

Request Transferred

Three (3) requests were transferred from the ATSSC to another government institution. In all cases, the ATSSC did not hold the information sought. As such, another government institution had greater interest in the records. The applicants were advised of the transfer of their request.

Exemptions Invoked

The Access to Information Act sets out specific exceptions to the right of access known as exemptions. Each exemption is intended to protect information relating to a particular public or private interest and form the only basis for refusing access to government information under the Act. Of the 41 requests completed, exemptions to withhold information were invoked in 10 cases. The most frequently applied exemption was subsection 19(1) (records containing personal information).

Extensions and Completion Time

Requests can be extended beyond the 30-day statutory time frame in three circumstances:

  • the request is for a large number of records or necessitates a search through a large number of records [paragraph 9(1)(a) of the Act];

  • consultations are necessary [paragraph 9(1)(b) of the Act]; and,

  • the request requires giving notice to a third party [paragraph 9(1)(c) of the Act].

During this reporting period, no extensions were claimed under paragraph 9(1)(a) of the Act. Four (4) extensions were granted under paragraph 9(1)(b) for the purpose of consulting within the ATSSC and/or with other institutions.

The ATSSC responded to 34 requests within one to 30 days, two (2) requests within 31 to 60 days. Four (4) requests required 61 to 120 days to complete, and one (1) request needed 121 to 180 days to complete (Table 3). Of the 41 requests completed during this reporting period, 40 were completed within the legislated time frame.

Table 3. Completion time of requests

1 to 30 days 31 to 60 days 61 to 120 days 121 to 180 days 181 to 365 days More than 365 days
34 2 4 1 0 0

Active complaints

This reporting period, two (2) new complaints were filed with the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada (OIC) against the ATSSC regarding the processing of access to information requests. In both cases, the complainants claimed that the ATSSC had improperly applied exemptions to the records sought.

The OIC completed its investigation in one (1) complaint against the ATSSC. The complaint was well-founded. The second complaint remains active with the OIC.

Training and Awareness

To increase the knowledge and understanding of the Act across the ATSSC, training and awareness sessions were delivered by the ATIP Office.

The ATIP Office regularly provides informal training on the application of ATIP legislation to departmental liaison officers. The liaison officers assist the ATIP Office in producing the requested records and providing insight into the subject matter of the requests.

Additional informal briefings related to Part 2 of the Act were also provided during the reporting period on an ad-hoc basis.

During this reporting period, the ATIP Office strived to promote the importance of access and privacy, by implementing a mandatory training for all employees of the organization through the Canada School of Public Service (COR502). During this reporting period, 514 employees completed the required training. This represents 81% of all staff within the organization. The ATIP Office is currently working on a more robust in-house training program for various clients within the organization.

Policies, Guidelines and Procedures

The ATSSC is guided by the Treasury Board suite of access to information policy and guidance instruments. During this reporting period, the ATSSC did not implement any new or revised institution-specific policies, guidelines and procedures.

Proactive Publication, Part 2 of the ATIA

The ATSSC is a government entity as defined in section 81 of the Act. It is listed in Schedule I.1 of the Financial Administration Act and therefore is subject to the following requirements as set out in Part 2 of the Act.

Table 4 – Proactive disclosure

Legislative Requirement Section Publication Timeline Compliance Rate Web Link
Travel Expenses 82 Within 30 days after the end of the month of reimbursement 89% Government Travel Expenses (canada.ca)
Hospitality Expenses 83 Within 30 days after the end of the month of reimbursement N/A Search Government Hospitality Expenses | Open Government - Government of Canada
Reports tabled in Parliament 84 Within 30 days after tabling 50% Reports Tabled in Parliament: ATSSC
Contracts over $10,000 86 Q1-3: Within 30 days after the quarter
Q4: Within 60 days after the quarter 		100% Search Government Contracts over $10,000 (canada.ca)
Packages of briefing materials prepared for new or incoming deputy heads or equivalent 88(a) Within 120 days after appointment N/A Briefing materials prepared for new deputy head (2019)
Titles and reference numbers of memoranda prepared for a deputy head or equivalent, that is received by their office 88(b) Within 30 days after the end of the month received 67% Briefing Note Titles and Numbers (canada.ca)
Packages of briefing materials prepared for a deputy head or equivalent’s appearance before a committee of Parliament 88(c) Within 120 days after appearance N/A N/A
Reclassification of positions 85 Within 30 days after the quarter 100% Search Government Position Reclassifications | Open Government - Government of Canada

Overall, the ATSSC responded to 79% of the proactive publications that were due during this reporting period within the legislative timeline. This represents a significant improvement compared to the last reporting period where the ATSSC responded to 53% of the proactive publications within the legislative timelines.

The ATSSC continues its efforts to improve its business processes and increase public access in alignment with Part 2 of the Act. The ATSSC has developed and implemented a framework that outlines the steps in the proactive publication process and provides guidance to ensure that ATSSC employees understand the roles, responsibilities and implications as set out in Part 2 the Act.

Initiatives and Projects to Improve Access to Information

To maintain a high standard of excellence and to continuously improve client services under the Act, ATSSC’s ATIP Office undertook two key projects during this reporting period:

  • The ATIP Office was an early adopter of the TBS led next-generation ATIP Request Processing Software Solution. The ATIP Office transitioned from our legacy system to the new software solution (ATIPXpress) and was fully operational by the end of this reporting period.

  • The ATIP Office created learning materials and provided training to our liaison officers on the use of the new software.

Summary of Key Issues and Actions Taken on Complaints

This reporting period, two (2) complaints were filed with the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada (OIC) against the ATSSC. Both complaints alleged that the ATSSC had improperly applied exemptions to the responsive records. The OIC completed their investigation regarding one complaint. The ATSSC conducted a secondary analysis of the records and subsequently provided the complainant with additional records. The request was considered well-founded and resolved. The second complaint remained active at the end of this reporting period and no actions were taken by the ATSSC.

Fees

The Service Fees Act requires a responsible authority to report annually to Parliament on the fees collected by the institution.

With respect to fees collected under the Access to Information Act, the information below (Table 5) is reported in accordance with the requirements of section 20 of the Service Fees Act.

In accordance with the changes to the Access to Information Act that came into force on June 21, 2019, the ATSSC may only charge an application fee of $5, as set out in paragraph 7(1)(a) of the Regulations. Pursuant to the Directive on Access to Information Requests, issued on July 13, 2022, institutions can waive this application fee as deemed appropriate.

Table 4 is a summary of the financial information for all Access to Information Act fees under the organization’s authority.

Table 5: Financial information (dollars)

2023-24 Revenue 2023-24 Total Cost of Operating the Program 2023-24 Fees Waived 2023-24 Fees Refunded
$175.00 $80,188 $50 $0

Monitoring Compliance

Requests

The monitoring of access to information requests was conducted through the case management system containing all relevant and necessary information to ensure compliance with the legislated requirements and reporting obligations. The system was updated as new requests were received or the status of a file was changed. Weekly meetings between the ATIP Coordinator and the ATIP analysts as well as meetings between the ATIP manager and the Director, Corporate Secretariat to discuss workload, review priorities and address challenges also assisted the ATSSC in meeting its statutory obligations.

Inter-institutional consultations

The ATIP Office only engages in inter-institutional consultations when they are necessary for the proper exercise of discretion or when there is an intention to disclose information. This is achieved by ensuring that any inter-institutional consultations are approved by the ATIP Manager. For this reporting period, the ATSSC consulted other institutions one (1) time.

Proactive publications

The ATSSC has implemented a process to monitor the accuracy and completeness of proactive publications under part 2 of the Act. The process necessitates from those responsible with publishing requirements to notify the ATIP Office within 5 days of the information being uploaded to the Open Government portal. The ATIP office verifies the information for accuracy and completeness and tracks each publication. A report is then submitted quarterly to the DGO. Publishers also have the responsibility of ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information that is proactively published.

Other

Given that the ATSSC receives few requests, it does not have a formal monitoring process to identify frequently requested information types. The ATSSC has not identified any types of information that are frequently requested.

The ATSSC uses standard clauses to ensure that appropriate privacy protections are included in contracts, agreements, and arrangements when they involve the collection, use or disclosure of personal information. However, no monitoring was conducted during this reporting period relating to these practices.

Appendix A - Access to Information Act - Delegation Order

Delegation Order
Access to Information Act and Privacy Act

The Chief Administrator of the Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada, pursuant to subsections 95(1) of the Access to Information Act and 73(1) of the Privacy Act, hereby designates the persons holding the positions set out in the schedule hereto, or the persons occupying on an acting basis those positions, to exercise the powers, duties and functions of the Chief Administrator as head of the Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada, under the provisions of the Acts and related regulations as specified in the schedule opposite each position.

This designation replaces all previous delegation orders.

Dated, at the City of Ottawa, Province of Ontario, this day of , 2024.

______________________________
Orlando Da Silva, LSM
Chief Administrator

Schedule

Powers, duties and functions delegated pursuant to subsections 95(1) of the Access to Information Act and 73(1) of the Privacy Act and related regulations.

Position Access to Information Act and Regulations Privacy Act and Regulations
Director General, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer Full delegated authority Full delegated authority
Corporate Secretary Full delegated authority Full delegated authority (except 8(2)(m))
Manager, Access to Information and Privacy Full delegated authority Full delegated authority (except 8(2)(m))

Appendix B - Access to Information Act - Statistical Report

Statistical Report on the Access to Information Act

Name of institution: Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada

Reporting period: 4/1/2023 to 3/31/2024

Section 1: Requests Under the Access to Information Act

1.1 Number of requests

  Number of Requests
Received during reporting period 45
Outstanding from previous reporting periods 2
  • Outstanding from previous reporting period
 1  
  • Outstanding from more than one reporting period
 1
Total 47
Closed during reporting period 41
Carried over to next reporting period 6
  • Carried over within legislated timeline
 4  
  • Carried over beyond legislated timeline
 2

1.2 Sources of requests

Source Number of Requests
Media 1
Academia 3
Business (private sector) 14
Organization 4
Public 20
Decline to Identify 3
Total 45

1.3 Channels of requests

Source Number of Requests
Online 34
E-mail 9
Mail 2
In person 0
Phone 0
Fax 0
Total 45

Section 2: Informal requests

2.1 Number of informal requests

  Number of Requests
Received during reporting period 68
Outstanding from previous reporting periods 0
  • Outstanding from previous reporting period
 0  
  • Outstanding from more than one reporting period
 0
Total 68
Closed during reporting period 68
Carried over to next reporting period 0

2.2 Channels of informal requests

Source Number of Requests
Online 58
E-mail 9
Mail 0
In person 0
Phone 1
Fax 0
Total 68

2.3 Completion time of informal requests

0
Completion Time
1 to 15 Days 16 to 30 Days 31 to 60 Days 61 to 120 Days 121 to 180 Days 181 to 365 Days More Than 365 Days Total
65 3 0 0 0 0 0 68

2.4 Pages released informally

Less Than 100 Pages Released 100-500 Pages Released 501-1000 Pages Released 1001-5000 Pages Released More Than 5000 Pages Released
Number of Requests Pages Released Number of Requests Pages Released Number of Requests Pages Released Number of Requests Pages Released Number of Requests Pages Released
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2.5 Pages re-released informally

Less Than 100 Pages Released 100-500 Pages Released 501-1000 Pages Released 1001-5000 Pages Released More Than 5000 Pages Released
Number of Requests Pages Released Number of Requests Pages Released Number of Requests Pages Released Number of Requests Pages Released Number of Requests Pages Released
61 1141 3 1219 3 2151 1 2283 0 0

Section 3: Applications to the Information Commissioner on Declining to Act on Requests

  Number of Requests
Outstanding from previous reporting period 0
Sent during reporting period 0
Total 0
Approved by the Information Commissioner during reporting period 0
Declined by the Information Commissioner during reporting period 0
Withdrawn during reporting period 0
Carried over to next reporting period 0

Section 4: Requests Closed During the Reporting Period

4.1 Disposition and completion time

Disposition of Requests Completion Time
1 to 15 Days 16 to 30 Days 31 to 60 Days 61 to 120 Days 121 to 180 Days 181 to 365 Days More Than 365 Days Total
All disclosed 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2
Disclosed in part 1 2 2 4 1 0 0 10
All exempted 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
All excluded 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
No records exist 18 6 0 0 0 0 0 24
Request transferred 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
Request abandoned 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Neither confirmed nor denied 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 25 9 2 4 1 0 0 41

4.2 Exemptions

Section Number of Requests Section Number of Requests Section Number of Requests Section Number of Requests
13(1)(a) 0 16(2) 1 18(a) 0 20.1 0
13(1)(b) 0 16(2)(a) 0 18(b) 1 20.2 0
13(1)(c) 0 16(2)(b) 0 18(c) 0 20.4 0
13(1)(d) 0 16(2)(c) 0 18(d) 0 21(1)(a) 8
13(1)(e) 0 16(3) 0 18.1(1)(a) 0 21(1)(b) 5
14 0 16.1(1)(a) 0 18.1(1)(b) 0 21(1)(c) 0
14(a) 0 16.1(1)(b) 0 18.1(1)(c) 0 21(1)(d) 1
14(b) 0 16.1(1)(c) 0 18.1(1)(d) 0 22 1
15(1) 0 16.1(1)(d) 0 19(1) 8 22.1(1) 0
15(1) - I.A.* 0 16.2(1) 0 20(1)(a) 0 23 4
15(1) - Def.* 0 16.3 0 20(1)(b) 3 23.1 0
15(1) - S.A.* 0 16.4(1)(a) 0 20(1)(b.1) 0 24(1) 1
16(1)(a)(i) 0 16.4(1)(b) 0 20(1)(c) 3 26 0
16(1)(a)(ii) 0 16.5 0 20(1)(d) 0
16(1)(a)(iii) 0 16.6 0
16(1)(b) 0 17 0
16(1)(c) 0
16(1)(d) 0

* I.A.: International Affairs
Def.: Defence of Canada
S.A.: Subversive Activities

4.3 Exclusions

Section Number of Requests Section Number of Requests Section Number of Requests
68(a) 0 69(1) 0 69(1)(g) re (a) 0
68(b) 0 69(1)(a) 0 69(1)(g) re (b) 0
68(c) 0 69(1)(b) 0 69(1)(g) re (c) 0
68.1 0 69(1)(c) 0 69(1)(g) re (d) 0
68.2(a) 0 69(1)(d) 0 69(1)(g) re (e) 0
68.2(b) 0 69(1)(e) 0 69(1)(g) re (f) 0
    69(1)(f) 0 69.1(1) 0

4.4 Format of information released

Paper Electronic Other
E-record Data set Video Audio
0 12 0 0 1 0

4.5 Complexity

4.5.1 Relevant pages processed and disclosed for paper, e-record and dataset formats

Number of Pages Processed Number of Pages Disclosed Number of Requests
1414 4 14

Table 4.5.2 Relevant pages processed per request disposition for paper, e-record and dataset formats by size of requests

Disposition Less Than 100 Pages Processed 100-500 Pages Processed 501-1000 Pages Processed 1001-5000 Pages Processed More Than 5000 Pages Processed
Number of Requests Pages Processed Number of Requests Pages Processed Number of Requests Pages Processed Number of Requests Pages Processed Number of Requests Pages Processed
All disclosed 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Disclosed in part 6 245 3 492 1 674 0 0 0 0
All exempted 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
All excluded 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Request abandoned 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Neither confirmed nor denied 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 10 248 3 492 1 674 0 0 0 0

4.5.3 Relevant minutes processed and disclosed for audio formats

Number of Minutes Processed Number of Minutes Disclosed Number of Requests
46 46 1

4.5.4 Relevant minutes processed per request disposition for audio formats by size of requests

Disposition Less Than 60 Minutes Processed 60 - 120 Minutes Processed More than 120 Minutes Processed
Number of Requests Minutes Processed Number of Requests Minutes Processed Number of Requests Minutes Processed
All disclosed 1 46 0 0 0 0
Disclosed in part 0 0 0 0 0 0
All exempted 0 0 0 0 0 0
All excluded 0 0 0 0 0 0
Request abandoned 0 0 0 0 0 0
Neither confirmed nor denied 0 0 0 0 0 0
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1 46 0 0 0 0

4.5.5 Relevant minutes processed and disclosed for video formats

Number of Minutes Processed Number of Minutes Disclosed Number of Requests
0 0 0

4.5.6 Relevant minutes processed per request disposition for video formats by size of requests

Disposition Less Than 60 Minutes Processed 60 - 120 Minutes Processed More than 120 Minutes Processed
Number of Requests Minutes Processed Number of Requests Minutes Processed Number of Requests Minutes Processed
All disclosed 0 0 0 0 0 0
Disclosed in part 0 0 0 0 0 0
All exempted 0 0 0 0 0 0
All excluded 0 0 0 0 0 0
Request abandoned 0 0 0 0 0 0
Neither confirmed nor denied 0 0 0 0 0 0
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0

4.5.7 Other complexities

Disposition Consultation Required Legal Advice Sought Other Total
All disclosed 0 0 0 0
Disclosed in part 4 1 0 5
All exempted 0 0 0 0
All excluded 0 0 0 0
Request abandoned 0 0 0 0
Neither confirmed nor denied 0 0 0 0
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner 0 0 0 0
Total 4 1 0 5

4.6 Closed requests

4.6.1 Requests closed within legislated timelines

Number of requests closed within legislated timelines 40
Percentage of requests closed within legislated timelines (%) 97.56097561

4.7 Deemed refusals

4.7.1 Reasons for not meeting legislated timelines

Number of requests closed past the legislated timelines Principal Reason
Interference with operations/ Workload External Consultation Internal Consultation Other
1 0 0 1 0

4.7.2 Requests closed beyond legislated timelines (including any extension taken)

Number of days past legislated timelines Number of requests past legislated timeline where no extension was taken Number of requests past legislated timeline where an extension was taken Total
1 to 15 days 0 0 0
16 to 30 days 0 0 0
31 to 60 days 0 0 0
61 to 120 days 0 0 0
121 to 180 days 1 0 1
181 to 365 days 0 0 0
More than 365 days 0 0 0
Total 1 0 1

4.8 Requests for translation

Translation Requests Accepted Refused Total
English to French 0 0 0
French to English 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0

Section 5: Extensions

5.1 Reasons for extensions and disposition of requests

Disposition of Requests Where an Extension Was Taken 9(1)(a) Interference With Operations/ Workload 9(1)(b) Consultation 9(1)(c) Third-Party Notice
Section 69 Other
All disclosed 0 0 0 0
Disclosed in part 0 0 4 0
All exempted 0 0 0 0
All excluded 0 0 0 0
Request abandoned 0 0 0 0
No records exist 0 0 0 0
Declined to act with the approval of the Information Commissioner 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 4 0

5.2 Length of extensions

Length of Extensions 9(1)(a) Interference With Operations/ Workload 9(1)(b) Consultation 9(1)(c) Third-Party Notice
Section 69 Other
30 days or less 0 0 2 0
31 to 60 days 0 0 1 0
61 to 120 days 0 0 1 0
121 to 180 days 0 0 0 0
181 to 365 days 0 0 0 0
365 days or more 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 4 0

Section 6: Fees

Fee Type Fee Collected Fee Waived Fee Refunded
Number of Requests Amount Number of Requests Amount Number of Requests Amount
Application 35 $175.00 10 $50.00 0 $0.00
Other fees 0 $0.00 0 $0.00 0 $0.00
Total 35 $175.00 10 $50.00 0 $0.00

Section 7: Consultations Received From Other Institutions and Organizations

7.1 Consultations received from other Government of Canada institutions and other organizations

Consultations Other Government of Canada Institutions Number of Pages to Review Other Organizations Number of Pages to Review
Received during the reporting period 10 70 0 0
Outstanding from the previous reporting period 0 0 0 0
Total 10 70 0 0
Closed during the reporting period 10 70 0 0
Carried over within negotiated timelines 0 0 0 0
Carried over beyond negotiated timelines 0 0 0 0

7.2 Recommendations and completion time for consultations received from other Government of Canada institutions

Recommendation Number of Days Required to Complete Consultation Requests
1 to 15 Days 16 to 30 Days 31 to 60 Days 61 to 120 Days 121 to 180 Days 181 to 365 Days More Than 365 Days Total
Disclose entirely 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 7
Disclose in part 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3
Exempt entirely 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Exclude entirely 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Consult other institution 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 10

7.3 Recommendations and completion time for consultations received from other organizations outside the Government of Canada

Recommendation Number of Days Required to Complete Consultation Requests
1 to 15 Days 16 to 30 Days 31 to 60 Days 61 to 120 Days 121 to 180 Days 181 to 365 Days More Than 365 Days Total
Disclose entirely 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Disclose in part 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Exempt entirely 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Exclude entirely 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Consult other institution 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Section 8: Completion Time of Consultations on Cabinet Confidences

8.1 Requests with Legal Services

Number of Days Fewer Than 100 Pages Processed 100-500 Pages Processed 501-1000 Pages Processed 1001-5000 Pages Processed More Than 5000 Pages Processed
Number of Requests Pages Disclosed Number of Requests Pages Disclosed Number of Requests Pages Disclosed Number of Requests Pages Disclosed Number of Requests Pages Disclosed
1 to 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 to 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
31 to 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
61 to 120 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
121 to 180 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
181 to 365 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
More than 365 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

8.2 Requests with Privy Council Office

Number of Days Fewer Than 100 Pages Processed 100-500 Pages Processed 501-1000 Pages Processed 1001-5000 Pages Processed More Than 5000 Pages Processed
Number of Requests Pages Disclosed Number of Requests Pages Disclosed Number of Requests Pages Disclosed Number of Requests Pages Disclosed Number of Requests Pages Disclosed
1 to 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 to 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
31 to 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
61 to 120 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
121 to 180 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
181 to 365 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
More than 365 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Section 9: Investigations and Reports of finding

9.1 Investigations

Section 32 Notice of intention to investigate Subsection 30(5) Ceased to investigate Section 35 Formal Representations
2 0 1

9.2 Investigations and Reports of finding

Section 37(1) Initial Reports Section 37(2) Final Reports
Received Containing recommendations issued by the Information Commissioner Containing orders issued by the Information Commissioner Received Containing recommendations issued by the Information Commissioner Containing orders issued by the Information Commissioner
0 0 0 1 1 0

Section 10: Court Action

10.1 Court actions on complaints

Section 41
Complainant (1) Institution (2) Third Party (3) Privacy Commissioner (4) Total
0 0 0 0 0

10.2 Court actions on third party notifications under paragraph 28(1)(b)

Section 44 - under paragraph 28(1)(b)
0

Section 11: Resources Related to the Access to Information Act

11.1 Allocated Costs

Expenditures Amount
Salaries $52,064
Overtime $126
Goods and Services $27,998
  • Professional services contracts
 $0
  • Other
 $27,998
Total $80,188

11.2 Human Resources

Resources Person Years Dedicated to Access to Information Activities
Full-time employees 0.499
Part-time and casual employees 0.000
Regional staff 0.000
Consultants and agency personnel 0.000
Students 0.000
Total 0.499

Appendix C

Supplemental Statistical Report on the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act

Name of institution: Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada

Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31

Section 1: Open Requests and Complaints Under the Access to Information Act

1.1 Enter the number of open requests that are outstanding from previous reporting periods.

Fiscal Year Open Requests Were Received Open Requests that are Within Legislated Timelines as of March 31, 2024 Open Requests that are Beyond Legislated Timelines as of March 31, 2024 Total
Received in 2023-24 4 0 4
Received in 2022-23 0 1 1
Received in 2021-22 0 1 1
Received in 2020-21 0 0 0
Received in 2019-20 0 0 0
Received in 2018-19 0 0 0
Received in 2017-18 0 0 0
Received in 2016-17 0 0 0
Received in 2015-16 0 0 0
Received in 2014-15 or earlier 0 0 0
Total 4 2 6

1.2 Enter the number of open complaints with the Information Commissioner of Canada that are outstanding from previous periods

Fiscal Year Open Complaints Were Received by Institution Number of Open Complaints
Received in 2023-24 1
Received in 2022-23 0
Received in 2021-22 0
Received in 2020-21 0
Received in 2019-20 0
Received in 2018-19 0
Received in 2017-18 1
Received in 2016-17 0
Received in 2015-16 0
Received in 2014-15 or earlier 0
Total 2

Section 2: Open Requests and Complaints Under the Privacy Act

2.1 Enter the number of open requests that are outstanding from previous reporting periods.

Fiscal Year Open Requests Were Received Open Requests that are Within Legislated Timelines as of March 31, 2024 Open Requests that are Beyond Legislated Timelines as of March 31, 2024 Total
Received in 2023-24 1 0 1
Received in 2022-23 0 0 0
Received in 2021-22 0 0 0
Received in 2020-21 0 0 0
Received in 2019-20 0 0 0
Received in 2018-19 0 0 0
Received in 2017-18 0 0 0
Received in 2016-17 0 0 0
Received in 2015-16 0 0 0
Received in 2014-15 or earlier 0 0 0
Total 1 0 1

2.2 Enter the number of open complaints with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada that are outstanding from previous periods

Fiscal Year Open Complaints Were Received by Institution Number of Open Complaints
Received in 2023-24 0
Received in 2022-23 0
Received in 2021-22 1
Received in 2020-21 0
Received in 2019-20 0
Received in 2018-19 0
Received in 2017-18 0
Received in 2016-17 0
Received in 2015-16 0
Received in 2014-15 or earlier 0
Total 1

Section 3: Social Insurance Number

Has your institution begun a new collection or a new consistent use of the SIN in 2023-24? No

Section 4: Universal Access under the Privacy Act

How many requests were received from foreign nationals outside of Canada in 2023-24? 44

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