5823-02706, 5823-02707, 5823-02708, 5823-02710, 5823-02711, 5823-02712, 5823-02716, 5823-02717, 5823-02718, 5823-02720, 5823-02721, 5823-03994 and 5823-03998 — Canadian Heritage

The complainant alleged that Canadian Heritage (PCH) failed to conduct reasonable searches for records in response to thirteen access requests concerning lobbying communications from 2020 and 2021. While the Offices of Primary Interest (OPIs) that were tasked conducted adequate searches, the Information Commissioner found that PCH did not task all relevant OPIs that were likely to hold responsive records. Specifically, the Corporate Secretariat and the Digital and Creative Marketplace Frameworks OPI were not consistently tasked despite being identified as likely holders of records related to ministerial staff and specific employees, respectively. The Commissioner concluded that PCH did not conduct reasonable searches for records. Consequently, the Commissioner ordered PCH to task the appropriate OPIs, conduct new searches, and provide access to any additional responsive records.