Access to Information

The Access to Information Act gives Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or any person or corporation present in Canada a right to access information that is contained in government records. The Act is intended to complement existing procedures for access to government information.

Ministers and heads of agencies are responsible for ensuring that their organizations comply with access to information legislation.

This page provides Canadians with links to the Access to Information Act and the policy, directives, guidance, and tools necessary for its administration.

Act, Policy, and Guidance

• Posting Summaries of Completed Access to Information Requests – Criteria
• Posting Summaries of Completed Access to Information Requests – Guide
• Report on the TBS Study of Best Practices for Access to Information Requests Subject to Particular Processing
• Access to Information Act
• Access to Information Guidelines – Guidance related to the interpretation and implementation of the Access to Information Act
• Implementation Reports and Information Notices – Guidance on the application of the Access to Information Act and the related policy
• Policy on Access to Information – This policy replaces the Access to Information Policy (dated 1993) and all mandatory policy requirements contained in Implementation Reports issued up to the new policy's effective date.
• Access to Information Regulations – More detailed direction related to the implementation of the Access to Information Act

Links of Interest – Information resources targeted to organizations that are central to the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act, and the proactive disclosure initiatives

Toolkits – The toolkits are specially designed to provide access to information and privacy (ATIP) specialists with the resources necessary to help them do their jobs.

How to make a request for government information – Want to request government information? Learn how here.

Training and Learning – Training and learning activities are available for the Access to Information and Privacy Community. Check them out here!