Access to Information and Privacy

The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act came into effect in July 1983. They both concern information held by federal government institutions.

The Access to Information Act establishes the rights of all individuals and corporate entities present in Canada to have access to information contained in federal government records, that necessary exceptions to the right of access should be limited and specific and that decisions on the disclosure of government information should be reviewed independently of government.

The Privacy Act gives all individuals in Canada the right of access to information about themselves, and governs the collection, retention, use, protection and disclosure of personal information.

Completed access to information requests for the Office are available at open.canada.ca.

Resources