What is a Freedom of Information Request?
A Freedom of Information Request is access to records – it allows any person the right to apply for access to records in the possession or under the control of a government institution or local authority in Saskatchewan, subject to certain exemptions.
What should I do if I want to request information?
First and foremost you should contact the town, much of the information you may be looking for might be a matter of public record that they can simply provide to you. If however it is determined that you need to submit a Freedom of information request then click Here to acces the required form
Filling out the Freedom of Information Request
When filling out the request you will want to be clear and consise with the information you are looking for in order to narrow down and expidite the process as much as possible. You have three main options for the type of records you are requesting:
- Your own personal information
- Personal information about somone other then yourself (attach proof that you have authority to receive the information requested)
- General information
See an example of a completed application below
***Be aware that fee's may apply when making the application and cost should be clarified with you before the request is processed
What happens After I submit my request
Once the government institution or local authority has received your Access to Information Request Form, it has 30 days to provide you a response. In limited circumstances the response period can be extended by an additional 30 days. You will be informed if this happens.
If you are not satisfied with the response received, you may contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner to review the decision. Examples of when this might occur are if there is:
- A refusal to grant access to all or part of a record;
- A refusal to make a correction to personal information; or
- An extension of the 30-day deadline.
If the local authority does not provide you an inital response within 30 days of receiving your request you may file Request for Review with OIPC (Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner) the form and contact information can be found below under "Important contacts and Links"
If the Commissioner reviews the matter and you are still not satisfied, the decision can be appealed to the Court of Queen's Bench.
Important Contacts and Links
If you require the contact name of the access and privacy coordinator for a local authority, please feel free to contact our office at: 306-787-8350 or toll-free at 1-877-748-2298.
For more information on how to get access to information, please click Here
You may also submit a Request for Review (fillable form found Here)
oipc prefers that these requests are emailed to thier office at intake@oipc.sk.ca. You may also submit your Request for Review by mail or in-person to:
Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner
503-1801 Hamilton Street
Regina SK S4P 4B4
If you have submitted a Request for Review to thier office and you have not received a response within one week, please give them a call at 306-787-8350.
Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner
Saskatchewan.ca Access to Information Requests