An FOI request is a formal process to ask for specific information about your personal data or documents about provincial government activities.
What constitutes a Freedom of Information request?
Freedom of information (FOI) gives you the right to ask any public sector organisation for information they hold. Anyone can ask for information. You can also ask for information about yourself under data protection legislation.
How do I get a Freedom of Information request Canada?
Submit an Access to Information request
- Step 1: Complete the form. To apply for information under the Access to Information Act , complete the Access to Information Request Form.
- Step 2: Enclose payment. Please enclose a $5 cheque or money order payable to the Receiver General of Canada.
- Step 3: Mail form.
How do I use the Freedom of Information Act in Canada?
Access to Information Act
To make a request, complete the Access to Information Request Form [PDF, 246.8 KB] or, send a dated and signed letter with the following information: a statement, indicating that you are making a request under the ATIA.
Is there a Freedom of Information Act in Canada?
The Access to Information Act gives every Canadian citizen, permanent resident, individual or corporation in Canada the right to request access to records that are under the control of federal government institutions, regardless of their format.
On what grounds can an FOI be refused?
You can refuse an entire request under the following circumstances: It would cost too much or take too much staff time to deal with the request. The request is vexatious. The request repeats a previous request from the same person.
What information Cannot be given in a freedom of information request?
Recorded information includes printed documents, computer files, letters, emails, photographs, and sound or video recordings. The Act does not give people access to their own personal data (information about themselves) such as their health records or credit reference file.
Can a Freedom of Information request be denied?
You can refuse an entire request under the following circumstances: It would cost too much or take too much staff time to deal with the request. The request is vexatious. The request repeats a previous request from the same person.
Do you have to give a reason for an FOI request?
The Freedom of Information (FoI) Act was put in place to allow anyone, anywhere in the world, to request information held by a UK public authority. Anyone can request information from any public authority and they do not need to say why they want the information.
What is considered sensitive personal information in Canada?
Information that will generally be considered sensitive and require a higher degree of protection includes health and financial data, ethnic and racial origins, political opinions, genetic and biometric data, an individual’s sex life or sexual orientation, and religious or philosophical beliefs.
Who is eligible for right to information?
As per section 3 of the RTI Act any Indian citizen can seek information under the Act.
What do I do if I receive a freedom of information request?
If you don’t have the information the requester has asked for, you can comply with the request by telling them this, in writing. If you know that the information is held by another public authority, you could transfer the request to them or advise the requester to redirect their request.
What information can I ask for through FOI?
What information can I ask for through FOI? Information, official records, public records, and, documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions – as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development.
What personal information is protected by the Privacy Act in Canada?
The Privacy Act defines personal information as any recorded information about an identifiable individual including: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age or marital status. education, medical, criminal or employment history of an individual or information about financial transactions.
What are the 2 privacy acts in Canada?
the Privacy Act, which covers how the federal government handles personal information; the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act ( PIPEDA ), which covers how businesses handle personal information.
What are my privacy Rights in Canada?
Section 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom protects privacy from unreasonable searches and seizures. In addition, the federal Privacy Act provides a high level of protection against the disclosure of personal information.
What is excluded from FOI?
information that would prejudice national defence or the armed forces. information that would prejudice international relations. information that would prejudice relations between the UK, Scottish, NI or Welsh governments. information that would prejudice the economic or financial interests.
What requests can individuals make under the Freedom of Information Act?
You can request any recorded information held by a public authority. This includes electronic and paper records, photographs and recordings. The law give you the right to access information that is already held. There is no obligation for a public authority to create information or provide explanations or advice.
What are the limitations of the Freedom of Information Act?
The FOIA applies only to federal agencies and does not provide for the right to access records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies. Each state has its own public access laws that should be consulted to obtain state and local records.
What are the three exclusions to the FOIA?
Exemption One: Classified national defense and foreign relations information. Exemption Two: Internal agency personnel rules and practices. Exemption Three: Information that is prohibited from disclosure by another federal law.
Can a FOI request be refused?
An organisation can also refuse your Freedom of Information ( FOI ) request if getting information will cost more than £450, or £600 if the organisation is: a government department, Parliament or part of the armed forces. the Northern Ireland Assembly or the Welsh Assembly. based in Scotland.