The complainant alleged that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) had improperly withheld information under paragraphs 20(1)(b) (confidential third-party financial, commercial, scientific or technical information), 20(1)(c) (financial impact on third party) and 20(1)(d) (negotiations by a third party) of the Access to Information Act. This was in response to an access request for records relating to, but not limited to, the role and activities of NRCan and/or Canadian Forest Service representatives on the Board of Governors of the Maritime College of Forest Technology (MCFT). The complaint falls within paragraph 30(1)(a) of the Act.

A portion of the records had also been withheld pursuant to subsection 19(1) and section 23, but these exemptions were not at issue.

During the investigation, MCFT decided to no longer oppose disclosure of two pieces of information that were publicly available.

For the remaining information, NRCan and the third party could not show that all of the requirements of these exemptions were met, in particular, that the information met the criteria for confidentiality, and that there was a reasonable expectation of harm in releasing it.

The Information Commissioner ordered that NRCan disclose any information that was not withheld under subsection 19(1) or section 23.

NRCan gave notice that it would implement the order.

The complaint is well founded.