Section 18 — Access to Information Act: Economic interests of Canada

The head of a government institution may refuse to disclose any record requested under this Part that contains trade secrets or financial, commercial, scientific or technical information that belongs to the Government of Canada or a government institution and has substantial value or is reasonably likely to have substantial value; information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to prejudice the competitive position of a government institution or to interfere with contractual or other negotiations of a government institution; scientific or technical information obtained through research by an officer or employee of a government institution, the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to deprive the officer or employee of priority of publication; or information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to be materially injurious to the financial interests of a government institution or to the ability of the Government of Canada to manage the economy of Canada or could reasonably be expected to result in an undue benefit to any person, including such information that relates to the currency, coinage or legal tender of Canada, a contemplated change in the rate of bank interest or in government borrowing, a contemplated change in tariff rates, taxes, duties or any other revenue source, a contemplated change in the conditions of operation of financial institutions, a contemplated sale or purchase of securities or of foreign or Canadian currency, or a contemplated sale or acquisition of land or property.