There are several options when making an access to information or personal information request. Using the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Online Request service is a fast, easy and convenient way to submit a request. This service allows individuals to make online requests for information to participating government institutions instead of having to print, scan, mail or email a paper form.

Who can make a request

Any Canadian citizen, permanent resident or any person or corporation residing in Canada has the right to request access to records of government institutions that are subject to the Access to Information Act.

Any Canadian citizen, permanent resident or individual present in Canada has the right to access their personal information held by government institutions that are subject to the Privacy Act.

Before you start

1. Before making an access to information request, you can search the summaries of access to information requests for records that have already been released by the Government of Canada to see if you can find what you are looking for there. You may also be interested in visiting the Government’s Open Government Portal.
2. To make either an access to information or personal information request, review the list of government institutions that are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act to see which institution holds the information you are requesting.

Make a request online

1. Some government institutions accept online requests while others will need a form to be sent. Check the list of government institutions that participate in the online request service to see whether you can make your request online or by mail.
2. Fill out your request online.

Submit your request online

Make a request by mail or email

1. Please complete:

   The Access to Information Request Form or the Personal Information Request Form

   OR

   Submit a letter clearly indicating that your request is being made under either the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act, and describe the following:

   • The records you are seeking. Be as specific as possible. For example, you could give a date range and detailed subject matter.
   • Your preferred method of receiving the records (copies sent electronically or by mail, or to view the records in person).
   • Your email address or telephone number in case there are questions.
   • Your name, street address, city or town, province or territory and postal code.
   • The date of your request.
2. To assist in processing your request quickly, you could include details, such as a date range, that would assist the government institution in finding the relevant records.
3. For personal information requests, additional information may be requested by the government institution to verify your identity.
4. There is no fee for personal information requests. For access to information requests, include the $5 application fee. Generally, cheques or money orders can be made payable to the Receiver General of Canada. Contact their Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator to confirm. For government institutions without a Receiver General account, cheques and money orders must be made out directly to the institution.
5. Send your request to the Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator of the government institution. Contact information is listed by institution.

How to correct your personal information

To request a correction to your personal information:

1. Complete the Record Correction Request Form.
2. Send your request by mail or email to the Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator of the government institution. Contact information is listed by institution.

There is no fee for correcting your personal information.

You have sent in a request. Now what? Learn more about how access to information and personal information requests work.

For more information, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/access-information-privacy/access-information/request-information.html.