IRCC’s Efforts to Modernize Information Access and Privacy Systems
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Recent Developments in Information Systems
Guided by principles of openness, transparency, and accountability, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is revamping its systems to enhance service delivery. The department diligently adheres to the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, aiming to streamline and modernize its processes.
The surge in access to information and privacy (ATIP) requests has been significant, rising from 63,333 in 2016–2017 to 132,891 in 2019–2020. IRCC now handles more requests than any other federal entity, most of which concern individual case files.
Enhancements for Better Client Experience
IRCC is committed to improving the client experience by ensuring information accessibility, speeding up response times, and optimizing systems. The introduction of the ATIP Management Action Plan is a step in this direction, increasing proactive communication with clients.
This plan results from collaboration with the Office of the Information Commissioner, addressing concerns and suggestions from their latest report. It aims to expand the MyAccount portal to provide more detailed and clear case status information.
Efforts to automate processes and increase workforce flexibility are also underway, meeting the demand for ATIP requests more efficiently. Notably, IRCC has reduced outstanding requests by 85% between January and July 2020, even amidst the pandemic.
Investments and Future Initiatives
Since 2015, the Canadian government has allocated $35 million to enhance information access. Budget 2021 further supports this with an additional $12.8 million over five years for federal system improvements.
These funds will enhance the online Access to Information and Personal Information Request Service, quicken proactive information releases, and facilitate the review of the Acts. These measures aim to reduce response delays, ensuring quicker information access for Canadians.
Statements from Leadership
“This government strongly believes in the values of openness, transparency and accountability and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada takes its responsibilities and obligations under the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act seriously. We want to increase the availability of information to our clients, and we will continue to make improvements and evolve in how we do business through policy and digital service delivery.”
—The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Insights
- IRCC primarily handles requests for personal client information—98.9% pertain to immigration case files, with only 1.1% for corporate records.
- The government’s update to the access to information program initiated in 2016, waiving all fees but the $5 processing fee, was the first modernization of the system in over three decades.
Associated Resources
- Access to Information and Privacy at IRCC
- Government completes major improvements to the Access to Information Act
- Government of Canada launches access to information review
Contact Information
Contacts for media only
Alex Cohen
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQ on IRCC’s Information Access
How has IRCC improved its information access systems?
IRCC has enhanced its systems with the ATIP Management Action Plan, automating processes and expanding the MyAccount portal for better communication and efficiency.
What percentage of IRCC requests are for personal information?
Approximately 98.9% of requests to IRCC are for personal immigration case files.
What investments has the government made to improve information access?
The government has invested $35 million since 2015, with an additional $12.8 million from Budget 2021 to enhance access to information systems.
How can clients check the status of their requests?
Clients can use the MyAccount portal to access detailed information about their requests and case statuses.
Who should media personnel contact for further information?
Media personnel can contact Alex Cohen at the Minister’s Office or the Media Relations team at IRCC for further information.
