Make a request

The ATIP Online Request service is a fast, easy and convenient way to submit a request. You can also use mail or email.

Who can make a request

Any Canadian citizen, permanent resident or any person or corporation residing in Canada has the right to request access to records of government institutions that are subject to the Access to Information Act.

Any Canadian citizen, permanent resident or individual present in Canada has the right to access their personal information held by government institutions that are subject to the Privacy Act.

Indigenous requesters and their representatives (any group or person acting on behalf of an Indigenous person) can request a $5 fee waiver for Access to Information (ATIP) requests.

Proceed to ATIP Online Request

Where do I start?

There are basically two types of requests:

  1. Access to Information request for requesting information not of a personal nature.
  2. Personal Information request for requesting information of a personal nature.

    Note: If you are requesting personal information that is not your own, you must include a consent to release the information.

    Consent must be provided in writing indicating:

    • the specific information the person wants to be released,
    • the name of the person giving the consent; and
    • to whom consent is being given.

    The consent must be dated and signed by the person giving the consent.

Before making an access to information request, you can search the summaries of access to information requests for records that have already been released by the Government of Canada to see if you can find what you are looking for there.

You may also be interested in visiting Information about VAC Programs and Information Holdings or the Government's Open Government Portal.

Making an information request

Informal request

An informal request can be submitted in the form of a signed letter stating clearly what information is being requested.

With informal requests, there are:

  • no fees
  • no legislated deadlines
  • no recourse for a requester in the event they wish to lodge a complaint.

Certain informal requests may be handled at the point of origin.

Send your informal request to:

Access to Information and Privacy
Veterans Affairs Canada
PO Box 7700
Charlottetown, PE C1A 8M9
Canada

Formal request

A formal request is a request made in writing to the government institution that controls the record, which indicates you are requesting access under one of the Acts (either the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act).

Make an online request:

Apply online for a faster, easier and more convenient way to submit access to information requests.

Make a request by mail or email:

Submit a written request containing the following:

  1. Print and fill out the Access to Information Request form or Personal Information Request form.
    • A statement that you are making a request pursuant to the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act;
    • A description, as detailed as possible, of the records you wish to access. For example, you could give a date range and detailed subject matter;
    • Your name, complete address, telephone number, email; and
    • Date and signature.
    AND
  2. Send your request and payment (if applicable) to:

    Access to Information and Privacy
    Veterans Affairs Canada
    PO Box 7700
    Charlottetown, PE C1A 8M9
    Canada
    or
    E-mail: atip-aiprp@veterans.gc.ca

Does it cost anything?

There is a $5.00 application fee for each formal request filed under the Access to Information Act only (VISA, MasterCard or American Express, money order or cheque payable to the Receiver General for Canada).

There are no fees for accessing your own personal information under the Privacy Act.

Indigenous reconciliation - $5 fee waiver

Indigenous requesters and their representatives (any group or person acting on behalf of an Indigenous person) can request a $5 fee waiver for Access to Information (ATIP) requests.

You can request the fee waiver using one of the following methods:

  • Complete an ATIP request form and send it to us by mail or email, indicate the records you are looking for and your request for a fee waiver under the condition of advancing reconciliation; or
  • Submit an ATIP online request and pay the application fee, then send an email referencing your ATIP request number and request for a fee waiver under the condition of helping to advance reconciliation.

You do not need to provide proof of your Indigenous identity to be eligible for a fee waiver. We will accept requests with good faith. To receive records from a government institution, we may ask you to provide documentation proving your Canadian citizenship or residency.

How long does it take?

The Department has 30 calendar days in which to respond to a formal request. (No time limit applies to informal requests). The Acts allow for legal extensions beyond the 30 calendar day response time. You will be notified in writing of any extensions.

Why are you providing a waiver to Indigenous requestors?

The Government of Canada uses the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for recognizing, promoting, protecting and upholding the human rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada. A key theme from the declaration is removing barriers for Indigenous peoples who are accessing information from government institutions.

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