The federal information watchdog, Caroline Maynard, has announced that she will investigate allegations surrounding the destruction of records related to the controversial ArriveCan app. Since March 2020, she has initiated an investigation into matters concerning requesting and obtaining records regarding ArriveCan. Ms. Maynard, who serves as an ombudsman for users of the Access to Information Act, did not provide specific details but emphasized the strict confidentiality provisions within the access law to protect the integrity of her investigations.
The ArriveCan app was launched by the federal government in April 2020 to track health and contact information for individuals entering Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to digitize customs and immigration declarations. A recent report from Canada’s auditor general highlighted a “glaring disregard” for fundamental management and contracting practices during the development and implementation of ArriveCan. These findings have raised concerns about the app’s procurement process and overall management.