Canadian privacy & access decisions

The complainant alleged that Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) failed to conduct a reasonable search for records in response to an access request for Canada's School Narratives and supporting documents related to the Independent Assessment Process. CIRNAC officials acknowledged the existence of responsive records but refused to process them, citing confidentiality, the extensive time required (12 months), and existing priorities. They also expressed concerns about potential privacy violations and breaches of undertakings if the records were processed. The Information Commissioner found CIRNAC's refusal to process the records unacceptable, concluding that the institution denied the complainant's right of access. The Commissioner ordered CIRNAC to retrieve all responsive records, process them, and provide a complete response to the request within 60 business days. CIRNAC subsequently agreed to implement the order.

• Whether Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada conducted a reasonable search for records
• Whether the institution's refusal to process identified records constitutes a denial of the right of access