Canadian privacy & access decisions

The complainant alleged that the Privy Council Office (PCO) failed to conduct a reasonable search for records related to minutes of the Joint Intelligence Committee from November 1, 1957, to December 31, 1958. The Information Commissioner found that PCO did not initially conduct a reasonable search. During the investigation, PCO agreed to conduct a new search, which resulted in the retrieval of additional responsive records. PCO also indicated that it was consulting with Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence regarding the processing of these records. The Commissioner ordered PCO to complete the retrieval and processing of all responsive records, provide access to them, and issue a supplementary response. PCO notified the Commissioner that it would implement the order and subsequently issued a supplementary response. The complaint was found to be well founded.

• Whether the Privy Council Office conducted a reasonable search for records under paragraph 30(1)(a) of the Access to Information Act