5823-02552 — National Defence
The complainant alleged that National Defence failed to respond to an access request for documents concerning Operation Aegis within the 30-day timeframe required by the Access to Information Act. The Information Commissioner found that National Defence did not meet its obligation to respond in a timely manner and is deemed to have refused access. The delay by the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command in providing records was found to be unacceptable. An order was issued for National Defence to provide a complete response within 60 business days, along with recommendations for process improvements and accountability for timely record retrieval.
- Failure to respond within the 30-day time limit (subsection 7 ATIA)
- Deemed refusal of access (subsection 10(3) ATIA)
- Unacceptable delay in retrieving responsive records from an Office of Primary Interest
- Need for improved departmental processes and accountability for timely record retrieval
Complaint well founded — disclosure ordered
The institution failed to respond within the statutory 30-day period without valid extension or transfer, and delays in retrieving records from an internal office were deemed unacceptable, leading to a deemed refusal of access.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The Minister of National Defence was ordered to provide a complete response to the access request within 60 business days, and recommendations were made for process improvements and accountability.
- s.7 ATIA
- s.9 ATIA
- s.10(3) ATIA
- s.30(1)(a) ATIA
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