Canada’s Information Commissioner Slams DND for ‘Unacceptable’ Handling of Records Requests
Canada’s Information Commissioner, Caroline Maynard, has issued a sharp rebuke to the Department of National Defence (DND), describing the department’s failure to respond to Access to Information requests as “completely unacceptable.” In a pair of recent rulings, Maynard challenged Defence Minister David McGuinty to enforce stricter accountability within the department to ensure officials meet their legal obligations under the federal Access to Information Act.
A Pattern of Non-Compliance
The recent verdicts stem from two access to information requests filed by Global News on October 20, 2025. According to the rulings, the DND did not merely delay the release of records but refused to respond to the requests entirely. This is not an isolated incident; Maynard highlighted these cases as part of “continuing struggles” at the DND regarding the timely provision of information, a trend she specifically noted in her 2024-2025 annual report to Parliament.
Identifying the Bottleneck: The ADM (Policy) Office
The Information Commissioner’s investigation revealed that the failure was not systemic across the entire department. While other units—specifically the office of the Strategic Joint Staff and the office of the Vice-Chief of Defence Staff—responded within the required timelines, one specific office acted as a roadblock.
The rulings identified the office of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), a position held by Scott Millar, as the point of failure. Maynard found that Millar’s office failed to respond to requests from the department’s own access-to-information analysts, directly hindering the DND’s ability to comply with the law.
“The lack of responsiveness from [Millar’s office] is completely unacceptable and has affected DND’s ability to meet its obligation to ensure that this access request was responded to in accordance with the requirements of the Act.” — Commissioner Caroline Maynard
The Call for Ministerial Action
Because of these repeated failures, Commissioner Maynard has urged Defence Minister David McGuinty to “crack the whip” and implement necessary changes within the DND. The goal is to move the department toward a culture of transparency and ensure that senior officials no longer ignore the mandates of the Access to Information Act.
Key Takeaways
- The Ruling: Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard ordered the release of records and criticized the DND’s lack of responsiveness.
- The Culprit: The office of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), held by Scott Millar, was identified as the primary obstacle.
- The Timeline: The specific requests in question were filed by Global News on October 20, 2025.
- The Contrast: The Strategic Joint Staff and Vice-Chief of Defence Staff offices complied with the timelines, proving that timely responses are possible within the department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Access to Information Act?
The Access to Information Act is a federal law that gives Canadian citizens and residents the right to access records held by government institutions, promoting transparency and accountability in government.
Who is the Information Commissioner of Canada?
The Information Commissioner, currently Caroline Maynard, is an independent officer of Parliament responsible for overseeing the administration of the Access to Information Act and investigating complaints when government departments fail to provide requested records.
What happens next for the DND?
The DND is now under pressure from the Information Commissioner to release the withheld records and for Minister David McGuinty to implement departmental changes to prevent future delays and refusals.