News Release: IPC Releases Inquiry Report

Thu, Jan 26, 2017

News Release 

Release of Inquiry Report by the Information and Privacy Commissioner

WHITEHORSE – The Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) released her Inquiry Report today.  The Inquiry Report contains the IPC’s findings following her review of a decision by the Department of Tourism and Culture (Department) to refuse to disclose records containing survey results of visitors to Yukon in the summer and winter of 2012 and 2013 under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPP Act).   

The IPC found the Department could not rely on any of the provisions cited to refuse disclosure, but found that some information, if disclosed, would be an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy to third parties whose personal information appeared in the survey.  She recommended the Department disclose the records to the Applicant after severing this personal information from them. 

The IPC reminded the Department about the importance of applying the exceptions in the ATIPP Act properly, highlighting the need to consider the mandatory exceptions where they might apply.  She noted that the failure by a public body to apply an exception can negatively impact on an applicant’s rights under the ATIPP Act, including their right to effective review by the IPC.

This Report can be found at the following link:

http://www.ombudsman.yk.ca/uploads/media/587eb3e6b1741/ATP16-004AR.pdf?v1

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For more information contact:

Diane McLeod-McKay, B.A., J.D.

Information and Privacy Commissioner

867-667-8468

info@ombudsman.yk.ca