If you are looking to obtain records from the Canadian government, filing an ATIP request may allow you to access documents, correspondence, reports, emails, and other government-held information.

ATIP stands for Access to Information and Privacy. Through Canada’s federal access to information regime, individuals and businesses may request records from federal government institutions under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

This guide explains how ATIP requests work, what records may be available, and how to file a request with the Canadian government.

What Is an ATIP Request?

An ATIP request is a formal request submitted to a Canadian federal government institution seeking access to records.

Requests may seek:

emails and internal communications
reports and briefing notes
contracts and procurement records
policy documents
regulatory correspondence
immigration or government file records
records involving a business or individual

ATIP requests are commonly used by:

businesses
journalists
lawyers
researchers
regulated companies
individuals seeking government records

Access to Information Act vs Privacy Act

There are two primary federal regimes for obtaining records.

Access to Information Act

The Access to Information Act allows individuals and organizations to request general government records from federal institutions.

This process is often used to obtain:

government decision-making records
regulatory communications
contracts
policy documents
investigation materials

A small application fee typically applies.

Privacy Act Requests

The Privacy Act allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to access personal information held about themselves by federal government institutions.

This may include:

immigration files
tax records
regulatory investigation records
law enforcement records
employment information

Privacy Act requests generally do not require an application fee.

What Government Institutions Can You File ATIP Requests Against?

Many federal government institutions are subject to ATIP laws.

Examples include:

Health Canada
Canada Revenue Agency
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Not all institutions are fully subject to disclosure obligations, and certain exemptions may apply.

How to File an ATIP Request

Step 1: Identify the Correct Government Institution

The first step is determining which federal institution is most likely to hold the records you are seeking.

This is important because requests sent to the wrong institution may be delayed or rejected.

Step 2: Clearly Describe the Records Requested

A request should be specific enough for the institution to identify the records.

Helpful details may include:

names of individuals or companies
date ranges
subject matter
file numbers
keywords
departments involved

Overly broad requests can lead to delays and large processing times.

Step 3: Submit the Request

Most federal ATIP requests can be submitted online through the Government of Canada ATIP portal.

Requests may also be submitted by mail in some cases.

The request typically includes:

your contact information
the institution name
description of records requested
applicable fee payment

Step 4: Wait for the Government Response

Federal institutions generally have 30 days to respond, although extensions are common.

Responses may include:

full disclosure
partial disclosure with redactions
refusal based on exemptions
notice that no records were found

Complex requests may take several months or longer.

Common Reasons Records Are Redacted or Withheld

Government institutions may refuse disclosure of certain records or redact portions of documents.

Common exemptions include:

national security
law enforcement investigations
solicitor-client privilege
confidential commercial information
cabinet confidences
personal privacy protections

Access rights are not absolute under Canadian law.

Can Businesses File ATIP Requests?

Yes. Businesses frequently use ATIP requests to obtain:

regulatory records
government communications
procurement materials
investigation information
policy documents affecting operations

ATIP requests are often used in regulated industries such as cannabis, food, fintech, payments, and healthcare.

What If Your ATIP Request Is Denied?

If records are withheld or a request is denied, applicants may file a complaint with the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada.

Applicants may also pursue further legal remedies in some cases.

Provincial Freedom of Information Requests

In addition to federal ATIP laws, each province has its own access to information legislation.

For example, Ontario uses the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Provincial and municipal institutions are generally governed by separate legislation and procedures.

Why Businesses Use Lawyers for ATIP Requests

Lawyers may assist with:

drafting targeted requests
identifying the appropriate institution
narrowing broad requests
protecting confidential information
responding to third-party disclosure notices
appeals and complaints

Strategic drafting can improve the likelihood of obtaining meaningful records.

Conclusion

ATIP requests can be a valuable tool for obtaining government records and understanding regulatory or governmental decision-making processes.

Whether you are an individual seeking personal records or a business seeking regulatory information, properly preparing and managing an ATIP request can help improve results and reduce delays.

Substance Law assists clients with federal and provincial access to information matters across Canada.