5819-04644 — Canada School of Public Service
The complainant alleged that the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) did not conduct a reasonable search for emails from a senior executive and that records were potentially deleted. The investigation found that the CSPS kept the request on hold without lawful authority, failed to retain records responsive to an active access request, and conducted an inadequate search. The Commissioner concluded the complaint was well-founded regarding the search, but found no evidence of an intent to deny access or that the requester's identity was considered. Additional records were eventually found and provided to the complainant.
- Reasonableness of search
- Failure to retain records
- Intent to deny access
- Consideration of requester's identity
Complaint well founded
The institution failed to conduct a reasonable search for records, held the request without lawful authority, and failed to retain responsive records. While the search was inadequate, there was insufficient evidence of intent to deny access or that the requester's identity influenced processing.
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The institution is expected to take immediate action to ensure processing issues are isolated and not systemic, and the Commissioner will monitor future complaints.
- s.30(1)(a) ATIA
- s.30(1)(f) ATIA
- s.67.1 ATIA
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