What you can request
The Act covers records held by over 240 federal institutions, including departments, agencies, and many Crown corporations. 'Record' is defined broadly and includes letters, memoranda, emails, reports, photographs, recordings, and machine-readable records.
You cannot use the Access to Information Act to get your own personal information. Use the Privacy Act for that. If a record contains both general information and your own personal information, the institution may process the request under both Acts.
How to make a request
To submit an access request:
- Identify the institution that holds the records. The Info Source directory can help.
- Complete an Access to Information Request Form or write a letter that clearly describes the records you want.
- Pay the $5 application fee per request.
- Submit online through the federal ATI portal where available, or by mail.
- Wait up to 30 days for a response. The institution may extend the deadline in certain circumstances.
Exemptions
Some records are exempt from disclosure. Common exemptions include information that could harm national security, international affairs, law enforcement, personal information of third parties, Cabinet confidences, and solicitor-client privilege.
Exemptions can be mandatory (the institution must refuse) or discretionary (the institution may refuse). Where possible, exempt parts are severed and the rest is disclosed.
If your request is refused or delayed
You can file a complaint with the Information Commissioner of Canada. The Commissioner investigates and can issue orders to institutions.
The Commissioner's orders can be reviewed by the Federal Court.
Tips from frequent users
Be specific about what you want and the time frame. Vague requests can be broadened or narrowed at the institution's discretion.
Include alternate keywords. Institutions often search for exact terms, and a narrow query can miss relevant records.
Ask for a waiver of fees if the information is of public interest.