Federal (Canada) Privacy Decisions

The complainant alleged that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) did not conduct a reasonable search for records in response to an access request for specific categories of records held by a subject matter expert. Following the investigation, the CRA conducted additional searches and confirmed that further responsive records exist. The Commissioner ordered the CRA to process these additional records and provide a new response within 60 business days.

• Reasonableness of the search conducted by the institution.
• Existence of additional responsive records.

The complainant alleged that Canada Post improperly withheld records concerning decisions to change mailing services in Iqaluit, citing personal information, trade secrets, and advice/deliberation exemptions. The complainant also questioned the thoroughness of Canada Post's search for records. The Information Commissioner found that Canada Post failed to justify withholding records under subsection 18.1(1) and did not demonstrate a reasonable search was conducted. Consequently, the Commissioner ordered Canada Post to disclose specific information and conduct a new search.

• Justification for withholding records under subsection 18.1(1)
• Applicability of subsection 18.1(2) exceptions
• Reasonableness of Canada Post's search for records
• Burden of proof on the institution to justify exemptions

The complainant alleged that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) did not conduct a reasonable search for records in response to an access request for correspondence related to specific topics. The CRA initially provided some records and explained why others were not retrieved. However, during the investigation, the CRA conducted additional searches and confirmed that further responsive records exist. The Information Commissioner found the complaint well-founded.

• Reasonableness of the search conducted by the institution
• Completeness of the records disclosed
• Requirement to disclose records previously provided in response to other requests