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About CDIC

How to make a request

There are two types of requests that can be made to CDIC:

  1. an Access to Information Request for requesting information not of a personal nature.
  2. a Personal Information Request for requesting information about yourself

These requests can be made either formally or informally:

  • a formal request is a request for records made under the Access to Information Act or Privacy Act in writing.
  • an informal request is a request for records which does not invoke the right of access provided by the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act. There are no formal time constraints, fees or opportunities for independent review of decisions for this type of request.

The Access to Information Request Form and Personal Information Request Form can be used for making formal requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act respectively.

Applying for information

To make a formal request online:

The Access to Information and Privacy Online Request Service offers a convenient way to make:

  • an access to information request
  • a personal information request

This service:

  • enables individuals to make an online request for information
  • eliminates the need to print, scan, and email or mail a form to CDIC

Submit an online request for information: https://atip-aiprp.tbs-sct.gc.ca/

To make a formal request by mail, fax or e-mail:

Fees

Each formal request filed with CDIC under the Access to Information Act requires an application fee of $5.00, payable by money order, cash or cheque to CDIC. The first 5 hours of search and preparation time are included with the application fee. Additional charges may apply if copying, or further search of physical records and preparation time is required.

Note: There is no application fee for information requested under the Privacy Act, nor for informal requests made under the Access to Information Act.

Exemptions & exclusions for a response

Information that is requested may be exempted under the Access to Information Act in full or in part if it relates to federal / provincial affairs, foreign affairs, personal information, third party advice, solicitor/client privilege, and other prescribed grounds.

Disclosure of personal information is restricted under the Privacy Act and shall not be disclosed without the consent of the individual to whom it relates, except in limited circumstances (eg. – information harmful to national security, defence and foreign relations).

The Access to Information Act does not apply to information that is already available publicly, such as publications or material in libraries and museums. In addition, the Act cannot give you access to records that are not controlled by CDIC or another government institution.

Appeals

If information is not disclosed to you, you will be advised by CDIC which exemption has been applied to the document. If you do not agree with the exemptions which have been applied to the documents, you may file an appeal with the Office of the Information Commissioner for review of the exemption. There may be cases where contacting the ATIP Coordinator of CDIC can resolve issues without formal complaints.

Complaints

You may contact the Office of the Information Commissioner if you wish to file a complaint concerning the processing of your request under the Access to Information Act. Your complaint must be made within one year of the date CDIC received your written request.

All complaints are investigated confidentially by the Office of the Commissioner. There are no costs involved. Your identity will be known only to the staff who investigate your complaint and to CDIC officials, who must respond to the Commissioner’s investigation.

Principles for Assisting Applicants

In processing your request under the Access to Information Act, or Privacy Act, we will:

  • process your request without regard to your identity.
  • offer reasonable assistance throughout the request process.
  • provide information on the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, including information on the processing of your request and your right to complain to the Information Commissioner or Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
  • inform you as appropriate and without undue delay when your request needs to be clarified.
  • make every reasonable effort to locate and retrieve the requested records under the control of CDIC.
  • apply limited and specific exemptions to the requested records.
  • provide accurate and complete responses.
  • provide timely access to the requested information.
  • provide records in the format and official language requested, as appropriate.
  • provide an appropriate location on CDIC‘s premises to examine the requested information.

Completed Access to Information requests

We post summaries of completed Access to Information (ATI) requests processed by our Access to Information and Privacy Office.

You will be able to search the summaries of completed Access to Information (“ATI”) requests and request a copy of the records at no cost from the Open Government Completed Access to Information Requests.

For additional information please see the About Access to Information Requests webpage.

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