5823-03607 — Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The complainant alleged that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) improperly withheld records related to the Special Joint Committee on the Declaration of Emergency under various sections of the Access to Information Act. The complainant also alleged the RCMP failed to conduct a reasonable search. While the Commissioner found that some information was properly withheld under sections 21(1)(a) and 21(1)(b), the RCMP did not conduct a reasonable search for records. The Commissioner ordered the RCMP to provide a new response and release any additional records found.
- Improper withholding of information under sections 15(1), 16(2)(c), 17, 19(1), 21(1)(a), and 21(1)(b) of the ATIA.
- Failure to conduct a reasonable search for records.
- Application of sections 21(1)(a) and 21(1)(b) to specific pages.
- Reasonableness of the RCMP's discretion in withholding information.
Complaint well founded — reasonable search not conducted, but some exemptions upheld.
The Commissioner found that while the RCMP met the requirements for withholding certain information under paragraphs 21(1)(a) and (b) of the Act and reasonably exercised its discretion, it failed to conduct a reasonable search for records. The RCMP conceded that its search was incomplete.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The RCMP was ordered to provide a new response to the complainant and give access to any records located by additional searches, unless access may be refused under a specific provision of the Act.
- s.15(1) ATIA
- s.16(2)(c) ATIA
- s.17 ATIA
- s.19(1) ATIA
- s.21(1)(a) ATIA
- s.21(1)(b) ATIA
- s.30(1)(a) ATIA
This is an informational summary and not legal advice.