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Difference between revisions of "Privacy or Access to Information for Public Complaints (5:IV)"
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Privacy or Access to Information for Public Complaints (5:IV) (view source)
Revision as of 23:16, 29 November 2022
, 23:16, 29 November 2022→3. Access to Information Act
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The procedure for obtaining a government record is as follows: | The procedure for obtaining a government record is as follows: | ||
#Go to http://canada.justice.gc.ca/eng/trans/atip-aiprp for the Access to Information and Privacy website, which offers a brochure about using the ''Act'', online access to Info Source, and online forms. Alternatively, any public library provides the same information. Info Source is a directory that describes each federal government institution and the information it holds, as well as the title and address of the appropriate officer to whom requests should be sent. | |||
#Formally request the records by sending in the online or printed request forms, or by sending a letter. These options are available under “Options for Submitting an ATIP Request”. Be as specific as possible citing subject, dates, events, and individuals. Enclose a $5.00 payment, but ask that this and any other fees be waived on the grounds that the release of records would be of “general public benefit” or that similar information has been released in the past. Note: Requests for information under the ''Privacy Act'' do not require a fee. | |||
#Once the institution receives a request, it has 30 days to give notice of whether access will be given. Senior officials can extend this time limit if they give notice of extension. If third parties are involved, the time limit is 80 days. If access is refused, they must inform the person making the request of the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner. | |||
It can take up to one year to receive records to which access is given. There is no meaningful redress for delays of this nature. | |||
:'''NOTE:''' The federal government has introduced changes to the ''Access to Information Act'' which will strengthen the powers of the Information Commissioner to make binding orders to government institutions. | :'''NOTE:''' The federal government has introduced changes to the ''Access to Information Act'' which will strengthen the powers of the Information Commissioner to make binding orders to government institutions. | ||
*Complaints should be sent in writing to: | *Complaints should be sent in writing to: | ||
