The complainant alleged that National Defence (DND) did not respond to an access request submitted under the Access to Information Act within the 30-day or extended period, as required by section 7. The request was for the total number of requests received for accommodation and exemption from CAF COVID-19 vaccination mandate. The allegation falls under paragraph 30(1)(a) of the Act.

The investigation determined DND had missed the extended due date made under paragraph 9(1)(a) of the Act. DND did not respond by the required date and is deemed to have refused access to the requested records under subsection 10(3). The delay was caused by a lack of responsiveness from one office of primary interest.

The Information Commissioner ordered that DND complete the retrieval of all records responsive to the request, which would include tasking specified individuals and provide a response to the access request no later than the 36th business day following the date of the final report.

DND gave notice to the Commissioner that it would be implementing the order.

The complaint is well founded.