Access to Information and Privacy: Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada has an established Access to Information and Privacy Protection Division to process formal requests made under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. In this section will find information on:

• Annual Reports to Parliament
• Completed access to information requests
• Completed privacy impact assessments
• Resources

Access to Information Act

The Access to Information Act gives Canadian citizens and permanent residents as well as individuals and corporations present in Canada the right to seek access to federally controlled information and records.

Privacy Act

The Privacy Act provides Canadian citizens and individuals present in Canada the right to seek access to their personal information that is held by the federal government. It also governs the collection, use, disclosure, retention and disposal of personal information.

Global Affairs Canada is committed to protecting information collected to administer its programs and adheres to the requirements of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

How to submit an Access to Information or Privacy Act request:

Submitting an online request

Using the ATIP online request service, is a faster, easier and more convenient way to submit access to information or privacy requests. Apply online to save time.

Mailing your request - Access to Information Act

To make a request by mail under the Access to Information Act you may either submit your request on the official form provided by the Treasury Board Secretariat or you may write to us stating what information you are seeking. Your request should be forwarded to the following address:

• Global Affairs Canada
  Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator (RCP)
  2421, Lancaster Road
  Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5

Please note:

• An application fee of $5.00 is required before the processing of your request under the Access to Information Act can begin. Payment can be made by cheque or money order payable to “The Receiver General of Canada”, as well as in cash.
• You must either be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have an address in Canada in order to make an Access to Information request. Canadians living abroad will be required to provide proof of citizenship in order to receive the information they are seeking.
• If you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident and you would like to submit a request to our department, you will have to do so through a representative that is a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or has an address in Canada.
• Corporations, businesses and organizations with a Canadian presence have the right to make an Access to Information request.
• Please provide us with a detailed description of exactly what information you are seeking.
• If you are seeking personal information under our control, we suggest that you complete a request under the Privacy Act as indicated below.
• Please note that an applicant may be charged additional search fees and/or preparation fees in regards to a request they have submitted under the Access to Information Act.

Mailing your Request - Privacy Act

To make a request by mail under the Privacy Act, you may either submit your request on the official form provided by the Treasury Board Secretariat or you may write to us stating what personal information you are seeking. Your request should be sent to:

• Global Affairs Canada
  Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator (RCP)
  2421, Lancaster Road
  Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5

Please note:

• You must either be a Canadian citizen or present in Canada in order to make a Privacy request.
• If you are not a Canadian citizen or present in Canada and you would like to submit a privacy request to our department, you will have to do so through a representative that is a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or has an address in Canada.
• The processing of request sent by e-mail will not commence until your signature is received by our office.
• Sufficient information must be detailed in your request in order to allow us to locate your personal information.
• Please DO NOT include your Social Insurance Number (SIN) as it is not required to make a Privacy Act request.
• Please note that no fees are charged under the Privacy Act.