5819-05387 — National Defence
The complainant alleged that National Defence (DND) failed to conduct a reasonable search for records in response to an access request for all finished intelligence assessments produced by J2 Director Strategic Intelligence (J2 DSI) concerning Iraq between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2003. The OIC investigation found that DND's Offices of Primary Interest did not retrieve all relevant records during the initial search and DND failed to provide representations on the reasonableness of its search despite multiple requests. The OIC concluded that DND did not conduct a reasonable search. The OIC ordered DND to conduct a secondary search, which located three additional records. DND agreed to implement the order and provide a new response to the complainant.
- 1Whether National Defence conducted a reasonable search for records responsive to the access request
- Adequacy of search: Search found unreasonable
- Search order implementation: Additional records located
Complaint well founded — disclosure ordered
National Defence failed to provide representations on the reasonableness of its search despite multiple requests, and the investigation determined that the initial search did not retrieve all relevant records, leading to the conclusion that a reasonable search was not conducted.
The Minister of National Defence was ordered to complete the retrieval of all responsive records, including conducting a secondary search, process any additional records located, and provide a new response to the access request within 36 business days.
- s.30(1)(a) ATIA
This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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