Investigations & Reviews

The Commissioner has extensive powers to investigate requests for review and complaints. He can require that any record be produced for his examination.

If you ask the Commissioner for a review, a copy of your request will be provided to the custodian and to anyone else the Commissioner believes is affected by the request. The Commissioner must also provide, to all people involved, a summary of the review procedures and an anticipated date for the decision.

The Commissioner may assign someone in his office to facilitate an agreement between you and the custodian. The person will work on your behalf to try to obtain the information, or will satisfy himself or herself that the HIA permits withholding the information. If you do not reach an agreement, the Commissioner may decide to hold an Inquiry.

As with reviews, the Commissioner may appoint a member of his staff to investigate complaints that information has been collected, used or disclosed in violation of the HIA. This person will thoroughly investigate your complaint and will indicate to you, the custodian and any other affected parties what his or her findings are. This could take the form of a letter or the more formal issuing of an Investigation Report that is released by the Commissioner. In the event that the investigation is not concluded to your satisfaction, you may request that the Commissioner hold an Inquiry.