In the case of the more controversial requests I have submitted, departments were quick to use various clauses allowing them not to disclose information. This seems to be rather systemic. First, they ask for an extension to have more time to answer. Then, they use various causes of the Act to avoid giving us the information we have requested. Then, when we challenge them, they give us what we want.
Based on your study, would you consider setting up some kind of priority list for the access to information requests submitted by certain persons or by parliamentary committees? For instance, the Finance Standing Committee and the Public Accounts Standing Committee can put requests to the parliamentary budget officer. When those committees submit requests, they have priority over other committees.
Have you considered how, in the public interest, it would be possible to improve the process or the Act in order to allow for quicker access to information when we want to throw some light on some issues?