Prepare Access to Information Requests Across Canada
A self-help preparation tool for ATIP, MFIPPA, FIPPA, FOIPPA, and other provincial access laws. Prepare your own request letters — we do not retrieve records, access databases, or submit requests on your behalf.
What Records Can You Request?
Police Occurrence Reports
Incident reports, information records, notes of caution held by municipal or provincial police
Court Filed Documents
Charges, decisions, orders, and other filings from provincial or federal courts
Custody & Release Records
Documentation related to arrest, detention, bail, and release
Tribunal & Administrative Records
Decisions and correspondence from LTB, HRTO, and other administrative bodies
Corrections & Parole Records
CSC federal corrections records, provincial institutional records, parole board files
Immigration & Border Records
CBSA interaction records, IRCC application files via federal ATIP
Child Protection Records
CAS / child welfare agency records (subject to provincial privacy laws and additional restrictions)
RCMP & Federal Law Enforcement
Federal policing records, national security checks, CPIC-related disclosure requests
How to File an Access Request — Step by Step
Identify the Correct Body
Is the record held by a federal institution (RCMP, CBSA, CSC)? Use ATIP. Municipal police or provincial body? Use your province's FOI law (e.g., MFIPPA in Ontario).
Gather Your Details
Full name, date of incident, location, any reference or file numbers, and a clear description of the records you are seeking.
Draft Your Request Letter
Cite the relevant statute. Include all identifying details. Specify the format you prefer (paper, electronic). Quorex can generate this letter for you.
Submit and Pay the Fee
Send to the institution's ATIP or FOI coordinator. Federal fee: $5 CAD. Provincial fees: typically $5–$25 CAD.
Track the Deadline
The institution must respond within 30 days (federal), 45 business days (Ontario, FIPPA s. 26 / MFIPPA s. 19) or 30 business days (most other provinces). Extensions are possible but must be justified.
Appeal if Denied
Quorex can help draft the appeal letter. File a complaint with the relevant Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Federal vs Provincial Access Laws
FederalATIP — Access to Information and Privacy Act
Applies to all federal government institutions including:
- RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
- CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency)
- CSC (Correctional Service of Canada)
- All federal departments and agencies
Fee: $5 CAD | Timeline: 30 calendar days | Appeal to: Information Commissioner of Canada
ProvincialProvince-by-Province Access Laws
| Province | Law | Oversight Body |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | MFIPPA / FIPPA | Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) |
| British Columbia | FOIPPA | Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC |
| Alberta | FOIP Act | Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta |
| Quebec | Access to Documents Act | Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec |
| Nova Scotia | FOIPOP | Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Nova Scotia |
| Manitoba | FIPPA | Manitoba Ombudsman |
| Saskatchewan | LAFOIP / FOIP | Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner |
| New Brunswick | Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act | Office of the Access to Information and Privacy Commissioner |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | ATIPPA | Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner |
| Prince Edward Island | FOIPP Act | Information and Privacy Commissioner |
How Quorex Helps with Access Requests
Sample Request Letter — Ontario (MFIPPA)
Subject: Access Request — Police Occurrence Records
Pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), I am requesting access to any occurrence reports, information records, or administrative records related to the incident described below, to the extent permitted by law.
Name: [Your Name]
Approximate Date: [Date or Range]
Location / Police Service: [City / Service]
I am not requesting confidential investigative techniques or third-party personal information beyond what is permitted under MFIPPA.
If any portion of the records is exempt, please provide severed copies of the remainder.
Pricing
Free
$0
Rights explanation for your province
Correct agency & contact identification
Statute & filing instructions overview
Single Request
$25/mo CAD
Properly formatted ATIP / FOI request letter
Correct statute cited for your province
Agency contact info & filing instructions
PDF export ready to file
Access Request Bundle
$25/mo CAD — includes everything
Initial request letter (ATIP / FOI)
Follow-up / reminder letter
Appeal / complaint draft (e.g., IPC Ontario)
Timeline & deadline explainer
All PDFs ready to file
Quorex provides legal information and procedural guidance, not legal advice or legal representation. You are responsible for reviewing and submitting your own request.
Frequently Asked Questions — ATIP & Access Requests
How do I file an ATIP request in Canada?
To file a federal ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) request, submit a written request to the relevant federal institution citing the Access to Information Act. Include your full name, contact details, a clear description of the records you seek, and the $5 CAD application fee. You can also submit online through the Government of Canada's ATIP portal.
What is MFIPPA and how do I request police records in Ontario?
MFIPPA (Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act) governs access to records held by Ontario municipalities, police services, and local boards. To request police occurrence reports or administrative records, submit a written request to the police service's FOI coordinator with your name, date of incident, and any reference numbers. A $5 CAD fee applies.
How long does an access to information request take in Canada?
Federal ATIP requests must be responded to within 30 calendar days, though extensions are possible. Provincial timelines vary: Ontario (FIPPA s. 26 / MFIPPA s. 19) allows 45 business days, BC (FOIPPA) allows 30 business days, and Alberta (FOIP) allows 30 business days. Complex requests may take longer if the institution claims an extension.
Can I request court records in Canada?
Yes. Court records in Canada are generally accessible as part of the open court principle. You can request copies of filed court documents (charges, decisions, orders) from the relevant courthouse. Some records may be sealed or restricted. Contact the court registry directly — FOI legislation typically does not apply to court records.
What records can I request about a police interaction?
You can request occurrence reports, information records, notes of caution, arrest records, custody and release records, and any administrative records related to your interaction. You cannot access confidential investigative techniques, ongoing investigation files, or third-party personal information beyond what the law permits.
What if my access request is denied?
If your request is denied or you receive heavily redacted records, you have the right to appeal. Federally, appeal to the Information Commissioner of Canada. Provincially, appeal to your province's Information and Privacy Commissioner (e.g., IPC Ontario). We can help you draft an appeal or complaint letter.
Is there a fee for access to information requests in Canada?
Federal ATIP requests require a $5 CAD application fee. Most provinces charge $5-$25 for the initial request. Additional fees may apply for search time, photocopying, or electronic media. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly if the records relate to your own personal information.