David Coon, MLA/Député

When can you expect a response?

The head of a public body will reply to you, in writing, within 30 days of receiving a request. The first response may be to extend the 30-day time period. The head of a public body is permitted to extend the time period for providing the requested information for a maximum of 30 additional days if:

• There is not enough detail in the application. The head of the public body will allow you to clarify. You will have 30 days to respond at which point the request will be abandoned. applicant for clarification and the applicant will have 30 days to respond.
• There is a large number of records being requested
• If the records involve a third party. The third party will be given 30 days to respond about the impact disclosing this information may have on their business
• The information relates to court proceedings underway

If you do not hear back from the public body after sending your request, you have up to 120 days (from the day you sent your request) to file a complaint to the Access to Information and Privacy Commissioner regarding the public body’s lack of response.

What if your request has been denied?

If you have been denied access, the head of the public body must state the reason(s) for the decision and inform you of your rights to have the decision reviewed by the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Commissioner or a judge, as prescribed in the RTIPPA.

If your request for a correction has been refused, the head must notify you of the refusal to correct, the reason for the refusal, attach the request for correction to the record in question and advice you of your right to file a complaint with the Commissioner.

You can file your complaint or appeal with the Commission using the following forms:
Complaint
Appeal

For more detailed instructions, or to learn how to refer the matter to a judge, click here.