The Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Process
Introduction
This module will unpack how to file an ATIP request and the importance of using this tool to advance feminist law advocacy and promote women’s equality rights.
In 1983, Canada was the 12th country in the world to pass access to information legislation. The Access to Information Act (ATIA) has since become an essential part of modern Canadian governance. It can help us hold the government accountable by providing a mechanism to request information —a mechanism which has become known as an Access to Information and Privacy Request or “ATIP Request”.
ATIP requests allow you to demand that the government provide information about various decisions and how these decisions were made. This module will explain what kind of information you can ask for.
Legal professionals and businesses remain the most significant users of this legislation. Non-profits, journalists and advocates surprisingly use the legislation less frequently. This has put into question its effectiveness. And while changes were made to ATIA in June 2019, it remains to be seen whether this will increase the number of people filing ATIP requests and whether the government will proactively disclose certain records.
“As we consider the accessibility of information pursuant to Bill C-58, I urge that we turn our attention to the experiences of those who are marginalized in Canada, those most likely to experience systemic violations of fundamental Charter rights and human rights. Too many face unequal starting points when it comes to collecting information necessary to advocate for themselves or others, to challenge government policies and to defend their rights in court.”
Second Reading of Bill C-58 before the Senate on April 17, 2018
Listen
ATIP Requests with Dean Beeby
One of the most challenging parts of being a journalist is the search for information. Dean Beeby is with CBC’s Parliamentary Bureau in Ottawa, and coaches other journalists on the use of the Access to Information Act.
Read
Readings on federal Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) requests
Access-to-information systems across Canada slowed by COVID-19
Some agencies have stopped accepting requests, but advocates say accountability is more important than ever.
Engage & Discuss
Browse through the Access to Information summaries from key federal institutions or search them by keyword, institution, month, and year. Make a request for already released documents that relate to a current law reform issue of interest to you.
What information or issue is missing for the access to information summaries? Is there any information on this issue that you might access through an ATIP request?
Submit an Access to Information Request and track progress on your request for 90 days. What delays have you encountered? If your request is granted, what are some of your thoughts on the information submitted and/or withheld?
Additional Resources
It’s your right to know what the government is really doing, but how can you exercise that right?
Francesca Fionda and students in journalism from Durham College developed a tool to help file ATIP of Freedom of Information requests.
How to navigate Canada’s Access to Information (ATIP) system
10 tips to help you file your ATIP requests