Privacy Act Request
A Privacy Act Request is a formal application that allows individuals to access personal information about themselves that is held by federal government institutions in Canada. It also provides the right to request corrections if the information is inaccurate or incomplete.
Purpose of a Privacy Act Request
To obtain copies of personal records held by government agencies
To ensure transparency and accountability in handling personal data
To correct or update inaccurate personal information
To understand how personal data is used or shared by the government
Who Can Make a Privacy Act Request?
Canadian citizens
Permanent residents of Canada
Any individual present in Canada at the time of the request
Information You Can Access
Immigration, travel, or citizenship records
Employment or pension files with federal institutions
Tax and financial records with government agencies
Medical or health information held by federal bodies
Any other personal information collected and stored by federal departments
How to Submit a Privacy Act Request
Identify the Government Institution
Determine which federal department holds your personal information
Complete the Request Form
Use the official Privacy Act Request Form (Form TBC/CTC 350-58)
Provide details about the type of records you are seeking
Submit the Request
Send the request by mail, email, or through the Government of Canada’s online portal
Provide Identification
Attach proof of identity (e.g., copy of government-issued ID)
Wait for Response
Institutions must respond within 30 days, though extensions may apply in complex cases
Benefits of a Privacy Act Request
Access to personal records for legal, personal, or professional use
Opportunity to correct errors in government files
Increases trust by ensuring data accuracy and transparency
Helps protect individual rights under Canadian privacy laws
Limitations
Does not provide access to records about other individuals
Some information may be withheld for reasons of national security, law enforcement, or confidentiality
Limited to federal institutions (does not cover private companies or provincial bodies)