Canadian privacy & access decisions

The complainant alleged that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) unreasonably extended the time to respond to an access request for correspondence related to a specific standing offer. PHAC claimed an extension of 255 days due to the volume of records, citing a need for 180 days under paragraph 9(1)(a). The Commissioner found that PHAC failed to demonstrate that the 180-day extension was reasonable, as it did not show sufficient rigour in calculating the time needed. Consequently, the extension was deemed invalid, and PHAC was ordered to provide a complete response within 60 business days.

• Reasonableness of time extension under subsection 9(1)(a)
• Definition of a 'large number of records'
• Adequacy of justification for processing time
• Deemed refusal of access under subsection 10(3)