Agencies lack resources to answer Access to Info requests, information czar says

The Trudeau government has not provided the resources that departments and agencies need to answer the steeply growing number of requests for records from the public, information commissioner Caroline Maynard says.

Maynard told a House of Commons committee Friday the COVID-19 pandemic has created other problems for getting Access to Information responses out to requesters, given the technological hurdles of working from home.

Meanwhile, Maynard's office is struggling to handle a backlog of complaints from disgruntled information applicants.

She would like another 20 to 25 investigators to bolster her current roster of 62 people who look into complaints.

"I need more resources and other institutions do as well," she told the MPs.

"Openness and transparency in government has never been more important than it is during the pandemic. The government needs to commit to proper resources and innovative solutions to ensure the right of access for all Canadians. Let's not forget that access delayed is access denied."

The Access to Information Act allows people who pay $5 to request an array of federal files — from briefing materials to expense reports — but the law has been widely criticized as antiquated and slow.

Government agencies are supposed to answer requests within 30 days or provide a valid reason why more time is needed. Many users complain about lengthy extensions, missed deadlines and, when records are released, deletions that mean passages or entire pages of documents are kept under wraps.

The federal government is inviting Canadians to say what they think of the law, but it could be weeks before people know exactly how they can provide feedback.

Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos announced a review of the act late Thursday, as the federal government had pledged to do.

Last year the government introduced a requirement for regular access-to-information reviews every five years, with the first one to start by June 21 of this year.

In a statement, the government said it would take advantage of new digital approaches to engage with Canadians.

"More details about engagement opportunities will be shared in the coming weeks."