Canadian privacy & access decisions

The complainant alleged that National Defence (DND) failed to respond to an access request for specific reports and recommendations within the 30-day timeframe required by the Access to Information Act. The investigation found that DND did not respond by the extended deadline and is therefore deemed to have refused access. The Commissioner ordered DND to complete the retrieval and provide a response to the request within 36 business days.

• Timeliness of response to an access request
• Definition of a "response" under the Act
• Consequences of failing to respond within the statutory time limits