Assistance To Individuals In Exercising Their Rights

Government institutions should provide individuals with informal access to their personal information whenever possible, and must inform individuals of their right to request access under the Privacy Act.

Government institutions shall assist individuals seeking to obtain access to their personal information who are unable to exercise their rights using regular procedures.

If a request for access cannot be processed because it is incomplete, government institutions shall, within 10 days of receipt, inform the applicant of the steps required to complete the request and of their right to complain to the Privacy Commissioner if they believe that sufficient information has already been provided in their request.

Government institutions shall, to the greatest extent possible, explain to the applicant the reasons for which their request for any action under the Privacy Act has been refused, and their rights of appeal.

Government institutions shall make a reasonable effort to explain technical or complex personal information to the applicant.

Government institutions shall inform individuals of their right under the Privacy Act to request a correction or notation of their personal information.