Canadian privacy & access decisions

The complainant alleged that National Defence (DND) failed to conduct a reasonable search for records related to a selection process for a Steward/Command Master Sailor to the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Initially, DND tasked two program areas, which reported no relevant records. The OIC, based on complainant representations, requested DND re-task these areas with specific keywords and task five named individuals. DND's subsequent search was incomplete, failing to task all individuals and use the correct date range, though it did yield seven pages of emails. Despite DND's claims of having provided all records, the OIC found that more records existed and DND had not provided a supplementary disclosure. The Commissioner concluded that DND had not conducted a reasonable search and ordered it to complete the retrieval of all responsive records, including tasking specified individuals, and to provide a new response within 36 business days.

• Whether National Defence conducted a reasonable search for records
• Whether all relevant Offices of Primary Interest were tasked
• Whether taskings included all pertinent keywords
• Whether all specified individuals were tasked
• Whether the correct date range was used in searches

The complainant alleged that Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) failed to conduct a reasonable search for records related to the Non-Insured Health Benefits Mental Health Counselling benefit. Specifically, the request sought information on a "detailed review" of service delivery, proposals for community mental wellness projects, and a "risk-based review" for financial controls, all referenced in an ISC briefing note. ISC initially claimed the "detailed review" was verbal and found no records for parts 2 and 3 of the request. The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) found this response unreasonable, noting that the reference in an official briefing note implied the existence of responsive documentation. Following the OIC's intervention, ISC conducted additional searches, which yielded at least 170 pages of previously unlocated documents. The Commissioner concluded that ISC had not conducted a reasonable search and ordered the institution to complete the retrieval and processing of all responsive records and issue a new response to the complainant. ISC agreed to implement the order.

• Whether Indigenous Services Canada conducted a reasonable search for records related to the "detailed review" of Non-Insured Health Benefits Mental Health Counselling benefit service delivery
• Whether Indigenous Services Canada conducted a reasonable search for records related to proposals to fund community mental wellness projects outside of Benefits Program authorities
• Whether Indigenous Services Canada conducted a reasonable search for records related to the "risk-based review to improve financial controls and management practices across all regions" for the mental health benefit