The complainant alleged that Parks Canada did not respond within the extended period under subsection 9(1) of the Access to Information Act to an access request. The request was for all data, notes, and correspondence within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, including observations and data, that reveals the impacts from human activity and coastal erosion that are damaging sensitive areas that hold high cultural significance, as well as records that lead to the decision to close the park. The allegation falls under paragraph 30(1)(a) of the Act.

Parks Canada was deemed to have refused access to the requested records under subsection 10(3). The delay was caused by technical issues, staffing shortages, required consultations with multiple third parties, and the failure of the Access to Information and Privacy office to process the request in a timely manner. Parks Canada said it would provide a partial response on February 27, 2026, and the complete response to the access request on April 30, 2026, following the completion of necessary third-party consultations.

The Information Commissioner ordered that Parks Canada provide a complete response to the access request no later April 30, 2026.

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

The complaint is well founded.