Does Canada have a FOIA equivalent?

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.

How do I get a freedom of information request Canada?

Submit an Access to Information request

1. Step 1: Complete the form. To apply for information under the Access to Information Act , complete the Access to Information Request Form.
2. Step 2: Enclose payment. Please enclose a $5 cheque or money order payable to the Receiver General of Canada.
3. Step 3: Mail form.

Do other countries have the FOIA?

After the Freedom of Information Act was adopted in the United States, five other nations established laws allowing public access to government records. Denmark and Norway enacted legislation in 1970; Austria, in 1974; Holland and France followed in 1978.

Which is the first country in the world guaranteed right to information?

The first Right to Information (RTI) law was enacted by Sweden in 1766 to access the information held by the king, following which 121 countries have adopted their own comprehensive RTI laws.

Who has access to government records?

generally provides that any person has the right to request access to federal agency records or information except to the extent the records are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions contained in the law or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions.

Does Canada have an Official Secrets Act?

O-5), formerly known as the Official Secrets Act, is an Act of the Parliament of Canada that addresses national security concerns, including threats of espionage by foreign powers and terrorist groups, and the intimidation or coercion of ethnocultural communities in and against Canada.

Can a FOIA request be anonymous?

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are not confidential. Once a FOIA request is received, it becomes a public record of the USGS. If the request contains personally identifying information or the request is deemed “sensitive,” we may redact information under FOIA Exemption 6 (personal privacy).

Who does Freedom of Information Act apply to?

The Act covers any recorded information that is held by a public authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and by UK-wide public authorities based in Scotland. Information held by Scottish public authorities is covered by Scotland’s own Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

How many nations have record rights for citizens?

Introduction. Over 100 countries around the world have implemented some form of freedom of information legislation. Sweden’s Freedom of the Press Act of 1766 is the oldest in the world.

How many countries have laws that recognize the public’s right to access information?

As of 2021, there are at least 128 countries that have ratified such laws and enacted implementations that render the right to information possible.

How many countries have RTI laws?

Today, that figure has more than doubled with 95 countries recognising the right to information. As a result, billions of people around the world now enjoy the right to access information held by their governments and national public bodies.

Who is exempt from 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.

How to file a freedom of Information request in Canada?

The Canadian government has announced plans to create an online portal for citizens to file freedom of information requests to three agencies. The portal will route requests to the proper department, allow fees to be paid electronically, and track action on the request, according to Canadian Press report.

Is the access to Information Act legal in Canada?

freedom of information The 1982 Access to Information Act provides Canadian citizens and other permanent residents and corporations in Canada the right to apply for and obtain copies of records held by government institutions. The institution must reply in 30 days. The courts have ruled that the Act is “quasi-constitutional.”

What is access to information in the federal government?

Access to information in the federal government. The Access to Information Act gives Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and any person or corporation present in Canada a right to access records of government institutions that are subject to the Act. The Act complements other policies and procedures intended to make government information

Is Canada’s government open and transparent?

Canada has begun a one-year pilot project that will allow for the submission of information and privacy requests online to three departments. Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, announced the launch April. 9, saying, “Our Government is the most open and transparent government in Canadian history.