How to comment
- Provide general feedback at the bottom of this page;
- Provide specific feedback on each of the Government's proposals by following the hyperlinks in the list below;
- Email us at ATIconsultationAI@tbs-sct.gc.ca; or
- Submit a detailed proposal on other ways to improve the Access to Information Act.
Comment before 5:00 pm EDT .
Proposals
Here are the Government of Canada's proposals to improve the Access to Information Act. We invite you to read more about each proposal and to provide your feedback.
- Make government data and information open by default, in formats that are modern and easy to use
- Eliminate all fees, except for the initial $5 filing fee
- When information cannot be released, provide requestors with a written explanation
- Give Government institutions and the Information Commissioner authority to decline to process requests that are frivolous or vexatious
- Give the Information Commissioner the power to order the release of government information
- Ensure that the Access to Information Act applies appropriately to the Prime Minister's and Ministers' Offices, as well as administrative institutions that support Parliament and the courts
- Undertake a legislative review of the Access to Information Act every five years
- Strengthen performance reporting on the federal access to information program
On May 5, 2016, the Interim Directive on the Administration of the Access to Information Act was implemented to take quick action on revitalizing access to information.
It guides federal institutions on how to administer the Act in ways that are consistent with the Government's commitment to more open and transparent government.
The Interim Directive will be in place until the Access to Information Act goes through a full legislative review. This full review is scheduled for no later than 2018, once the first round of improvements to the Act have been made.
As well, to make it easier for Canadians to access government information, including their personal information, Budget 2016 announced that the Government will create a simple, central website where Canadians can submit requests for information. The new website will build on the success of the existing Access to Information and Privacy Online Request pilot project.