Privy Council Office (Re), 2026 OIC 34
The complainant alleged that the Privy Council Office (PCO) failed to conduct a reasonable search for records related to a previous access request (A-2012-00683) and a 10-page "Lessons Learned" document. The OIC found that PCO did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that a reasonable search had been conducted, particularly regarding a second search by its Records Operations unit for which details were lacking. The Commissioner concluded that PCO did not conduct a reasonable search. Consequently, the complaint was deemed well founded, and PCO was ordered to conduct a new search, process any additional records found, and provide a supplementary response to the complainant within 36 business days. PCO did not indicate whether it would comply with the order.
- 1Whether the institution conducted a reasonable search for records
- Adequacy of search: Search found unreasonable
- Complaint status: Complaint well founded
- Remedy: New search ordered
Complaint well founded — new search and disclosure ordered
The Privy Council Office failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that it conducted a reasonable search for responsive records, specifically lacking documentation for a second search conducted by its Records Operations unit.
The Clerk of the Privy Council was ordered to conduct a new search for additional records, process all additional pages located, and provide a supplementary response to the access request no later than 36 business days following the date of the final report.
- s.30(1)(a) ATIA
This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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