Privy Council Office (Re), 2026 OIC 34
The complainant alleged that the Privy Council Office (PCO) did not conduct a reasonable search for records related to a previous access request and a "Lessons Learned" document. The OIC found that PCO did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate a reasonable search was conducted. The Information Commissioner ordered PCO to conduct a new search and provide a supplementary response to the complainant.
- Reasonableness of the search conducted by the institution
- Sufficiency of documentation provided by the institution regarding its search efforts
- Burden of proof on institutions to demonstrate a reasonable search
Complaint well founded — new search ordered
The Privy Council Office failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that it conducted a reasonable search for the requested records, which is required under the Access to Information Act.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The Privy Council Office was ordered to conduct a new search for records, process any additional responsive records found, and provide a supplementary response to the complainant.
- s.30(1)(a) ATIA
This is an informational summary only and does not constitute legal advice.