National > Access to Information:How do I make an access to information request?Before making a formal request for information, it is often best to informally ask a government institution for access to the records you are seeking. If this informal approach is unsuccessful, the next step is a formal access to information request. The federal government and each province has its own procedures for this request, but the general practice involves completing and sending in an access to information request form and the required fee to the address of the government institution from which you are seeking disclosure. A government institution generally has a certain time period to respond to a straightforward access to information request. You may be charged a separate fee for photocopying and processing. If you question those charges, or believe that you have been improperly denied information, or the institution fails to respond to your request in a timely manner, you may complain to the relevant information Commissioner, usually at no cost. You can also appeal to the designated Court if you are dissatisfied with the resolution of your complaint by the Commissioner.
June 2006 |
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