Accessing Your Federal Files... Privacy Act

~ Privacy Act ~
The Privacy Act gives Canadian citizens and people present in Canada the right to have access to information that is held about them by the federal government. Most information is available when you ask

~ How to apply ~
1 - Look up the appropriate federal Institution that has the files you want to see (for instance, Correctional Services Canada): http://www.infosource.gc.ca/fed/fed01_e.asp

2 - Look up the Privacy Coordinator of that institution: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/gos-sog/atip-aiprp/apps/coords/index_e.asp

3 - Obtain a Personal Information Request Form : www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/tbsf-fsct_e.html

Fill out the form and send it to the Privacy Coordinator of the appropriate department or agency. For instance, you can ask the CSC Coordinator for "all records in all information banks held within Correctional Services Canada systems". There is no charge to apply for information under the Privacy Act. There is a 30 day time limit for them to respond.

To change the information
If you believe the information that a federal institution has on file about you is untrue or misleading, you can ask to have it corrected. Even if the department or agency does not agree to change this information, it must make a note that you have asked for the change and attach it to the file. (Check website for more info...)

We have just applied for copies of all Darren's prison files from Ottawa, in order to dispute some incorrect information. I tried the telephone # listed on the site for the CSC Coordinator, and they called me back right away with generous detailed assistance in how to fill out the form most effectively... !