The Information Commissioner, Suzanne Legault, is supported by two Assistant Commissioners: Andrea Neill, who oversees the Complaints Resolution and Compliance function and Layla Michaud (Interim), responsible for Policy, Communications and Operations.
The Office has four branches:
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The Complaints Resolution and Compliance Branch carries out investigations and dispute resolution efforts to resolve complaints.
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The Intake and Early Resolution Unit was introduced as part of the Office’s efforts to strengthen and streamline its complaints-handling process to eliminate its historical backlog of cases and to improve service to Canadians and federal institutions. It carries out the initial assessment of complaints; establishes the order of priority and prepares files for investigation; investigates more straightforward complaints, usually administrative in nature; and tries to reach a solution that satisfies both the complainant and the institution. The unit is an integral component of the Office’s case management model.
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The Complaints Resolution Unit (CRU) is responsible for the review of complaints from individuals and organizations who believe that federal institutions have not complied with their access to information obligations. This unit investigates refusal complaints submitted after April 1 2008. Complaints may be submitted where Institutions refuse the release of records and apply specific and limited exemptions and exclusions under the Act. The mandate of this unit is to provide thorough, unbiased and private investigations with respect to these types of complaints.
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The Strategic Case Management Team (SCMT) was created in November 2008 to address the inventory of complaints predating April 1, 2008. Based on the strategies and approaches recommended by the multi-disciplinary Inventory Assessment Team struck in October 2008, complaints in the inventory are being investigated with a view to eliminate or significantly reducing the inventory by the end of fiscal year 2009-2010.
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The Policy, Communications and Operations Branch provides guidance and advice to senior management on strategic and systemic issues. It assesses the performance of federal institutions concerning access to information and conducts systemic investigations and analyses. The branch also manages the OIC's external relations with the public, government and Parliament and provides strategic and corporate leadership in areas of financial management, internal audit, information management and security. It is also responsible for access to information and privacy requests received from the public.
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The Legal Services Branch represents the Commissioner in court cases and provides legal advice on investigations, and legislative and administrative matters.
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The Human Resources Branch oversees all aspects of human resources management and provides advice to managers and employees on human resources issues.
