{"id":5164,"date":"2021-05-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-25T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/ircc-launches-efforts-to-streamline-and-modernize-access-to-information-and-privacy-system-2\/"},"modified":"2021-05-26T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T20:30:00","slug":"ircc-launches-efforts-to-streamline-and-modernize-access-to-information-and-privacy-system-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/ircc-launches-efforts-to-streamline-and-modernize-access-to-information-and-privacy-system-2\/","title":{"rendered":"IRCC launches efforts to streamline and modernize access to information and privacy system"},"content":{"rendered":"

IRCC’s Efforts to Modernize Information Access and Privacy Systems<\/h1>\n

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Recent Developments in Information Systems<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The surge in access to information and privacy (ATIP) requests has been significant, rising from 63,333 in 2016\u20132017 to 132,891 in 2019\u20132020. IRCC now handles more requests than any other federal entity, most of which concern individual case files.<\/p>\n

Enhancements for Better Client Experience<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> is a step in this direction, increasing proactive communication with clients.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Investments and Future Initiatives<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Statements from Leadership<\/h2>\n
\n

\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Key Insights<\/h3>\n