5821-03023 — Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The complainant alleged that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) failed to respond to an access request within the time limits set out in the Access to Information Act. The request sought records pertaining to specific operational reviews concerning co-operation between CSIS and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CSIS claimed a 240-day extension, which the OIC previously found to be valid, setting the due date for May 31, 2021. However, CSIS failed to respond by this extended deadline. The OIC found that CSIS was in deemed refusal, noting that the delay was partly due to outstanding consultations with the RCMP and operational challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite CSIS's stated intention to process records without further delay, it proposed an additional month beyond the RCMP's consultation timeline. The Commissioner concluded that CSIS had not adequately addressed the delay and ordered the institution to complete processing and provide a response within 36 business days.