5824-02329 — Transport Canada

The complainant alleged that Transport Canada failed to respond to an access request within the 30-day statutory period for records related to an Issue Paper on Human External Cargo via Helicopter. The investigation revealed that Transport Canada's Office of Primary Interest (OPI), Safety and Security, missed the initial tasking request for records, causing significant delays. Transport Canada was deemed to have refused access under subsection 10(3) of the Act due to its failure to respond within the statutory timeframe. The Information Commissioner ordered Transport Canada to provide a complete response to the access request. Although Transport Canada later advised the complainant that responsive records were being processed under a separate request, the Commissioner determined this did not constitute a "complete response" as it did not provide actual access or a denial with reasons. The Commissioner also recommended that the Minister of Transport develop processes to ensure timely record provision by OPIs and establish performance indicators for senior officials regarding delays. The complaint was found to be well founded.