The complainant alleged that Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada did not conduct a reasonable search in response to an access request under the Access to Information Act for records from the Deputy Minister’s Office relating to funding or fiscal management of the Assembly of First Nations from January 1, 2016 to April 1, 2019.

The investigation identified deficiencies with the search, and determined that Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada did not conduct a reasonable search for records.

The Information Commissioner ordered Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to conduct a new search for records and to provide a new response to the complainant no later than 36 business days after the final report.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada gave notice to the Commissioner that it would be implementing the order.

The complaint is well founded.