Section 26: Questions

Archived [2008-11] – Investigator's Guide to Interpreting the Act

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived.

The Investigator’s Guide was removed from the website in April 2021 and is currently available solely for the above-mentioned activities. 

We invite you to consult the Information Commissioner’s Guidance section where you will find up-to-date information on how we approach investigations and interpret the Access to Information Act

In addition, the Information Commissioner posts final reports on her investigations on the website to provide guidance to both institutions and complainants. Using the database, you can sort through the decisions with the relevant sections of the Act.

Section -- 26

The head of a government institution may refuse to disclose any record requested under this Act or any part thereof if the head of the institution believes on reasonable grounds that the material in the record or part thereof will be published by a government institution, agent of the Government of Canada or minister of the Crown within ninety days after the request is made or within such further period of time as may be necessary for printing or translating the material for the purpose of printing.

Statement of Test to be Met
Intention to publish must have been found by the time the access request is received.
Relevant Questions Departmental Response Assessment

Did the government institution have the intention to publish the requested records when it received the access request?

When did it form this intention?

  • compare with date of request.

Are there any records or memoranda which outline the decision to publish or plans for publication?

  • do these contain a time schedule
  • ask to see these
   

 

Statement of Test to be Met
90-day time limit runs from date of request.
Relevant Questions Departmental Response Assessment

Is the anticipated publication time within 90 days of the date of the access request?

  • if not, why will publication take longer?

Is the longer time frame related to translating and printing the information?

  • if not, the extension of time is not available and information should be disclosed.

Has the government changed its mind about publishing the information since receiving the request?

  • if so, information should be disclosed.
   

 

Date modified:
Submit a complaint