Mandamus on a delay because of third party security clearance

IRCC sometimes tries to justify inordinate delay in processing based on the apparent fact that they are waiting on third party security clearances.

Justice Harrington dealt with that excuse in Hamalipoor:

[21]            Furthermore it is not adequate to pass the buck and avoid responsibility by blaming delays on another government organization. An applicant's right to a decision is an obligation on the Government of Canada acting through the responsible minister. It is the Respondent's obligation to cause the necessary steps within government so that the rights under the statute are fulfilled.