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How do I get access to information?

1. Identify the Type of Information you Want

It generally helps to be as specific as possible in identifying the type of information you want.

If you want a quicker response, no or a lower fee and less information severed, you can consider the following:

  • Write down a description of the records you really want
    • Avoid being broad
    • Make it as specific as you can
  • Avoid using words that make it sound like you want hundreds or thousands of documents.
    • Asking for fewer records may lower the fee or result in a no fee
    • Give a specific time frame, such as January 1, 2022 to March 1, 2022
    • The narrower the timeframe, eases the search effort by the public body
  • Avoid saying “all documents…”
    • It is better to say “emails”, “letters”, “agendas”, “minutes” or “reports”. Being specific as to the type of documents you want makes the search easier
  • Indicate who created or sent the record
    • “Emails from Joe…” or “letters to Sarah…” or “reports prepared by Peter…”

Remember:

  • A narrower request increases the chances of a quick response.
  • A narrower request increases the chances of no fee.
  • Be prepared to tell the public body why you want the information.
  • Your reasons will allow the coordinator to target the search and increase the chances of you getting what you want.
  • Don’t frame your access to information request in the form of a question as responsive records may not exist.

2. Fill Out a Form

Determine the appropriate public body that holds the information; government institution, local authority or health trustee.

Please Note:

Problems downloading forms on this page are typically related to the type of browser you are using. Our forms are in PDF format. Downloading works best with Microsoft Edge which uses Adobe Acrobat Reader as the resident PDF viewer. Browsers such as Fire-Fox or Google Chrome have their own built in PDF viewer which will not read a PDF “fillable” form.

The following link is an explanation on how to change the PDF viewer within your Browser to Acrobat Reader which will open a PDF formatted document: http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/display-pdf-browser-acrobat-xi.html

You may also try this:

  1. Right mouse click on the form you wish to open
  2. Select “save target as”
  3. Save the form locally on your computer
  4. Use Acrobat Reader to open the form.

**The above FOIP and LA FOIP access to information request forms will need to be saved to a local drive for the “Save As”, “Reset Form” “Submit by Email” and “Print Form” buttons to work.**

If you continue to experience problems, contact our office at 306-787-8350 or webmaster@oipc.sk.ca

3. Submit your Request to the Public Body

Submit your Access to Information request directly to the public body. Keep a copy for your records.

For a list of contact information for Access Coordinators within the Government of Saskatchewan, please click here.

Please Note:

Our office does not process access to information requests. Your request for information must be submitted to the public body that you are requesting information from. If you require the contact name of the access coordinator for a specific public body not listed in the link above, please contact our office toll-free at 1-877-748-2298 or call 306-787-8350

4. Wait 30 Days

The public body has 30 calendar days to respond (a public body may ask for fees before responding).

Not Satisfied?

If you do not receive a response within 30 days, or are dissatisfied with the public body’s response, you can request a review by the IPC.  Check out our document called Guide to Requesting a Review from the IPC for a list of reasons the IPC would undertake a review.

5. Request a Review

Make your request for review in writing or use one of the following forms:

6. Submit your Request to the IPC

A request for review must be requested within one year after the public body provides its response. In the case that a public body does not provide a response, the one year time limit shall commence 30 days after the access to information request was submitted to the public body.

It is our office’s preference that requests for review be submitted by email to: intake@oipc.sk.ca.  You can also submit your complaint by mail or in person to:

Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner
503 – 1801 Hamilton Street
Regina SK  S4P 4B4

Please include a copy of your access to information request and the response from the public body.

7. Early Resolution

Once it is determined that the IPC has jurisdiction and grounds to review the matter, an Intake Officer will contact you, ensure all the necessary information has been received and try to resolve the complaint informally.

8. Make a Submission

If early resolution is not possible, an Analyst will be assigned to the file. You will receive a notice of the review via email or letter and be invited to make a submission (i.e. provide relevant information to support the release of records). You are not obligated to provide a submission.

The Analyst will attempt to mediate, or informally resolve, the review.

9. Report and Response

If no mediated settlement is possible, the Commissioner will issue a report with findings and recommendations with respect to the release of information.

The identity of the applicant will not be disclosed.

The public body has 30 days to respond to the report and indicate if it will comply with the Commissioner’s recommendation(s).

Still Not Satisfied?

If you are still not satisfied with the Commissioner’s recommendations, and/or the public body’s response, you an appeal to the Court of King’s Bench.

10. Appeal to Court

Check out our document Guide to Appealing the Decision of a Head.

The IPC is not involved in this step.  You may want to consult a lawyer.

 

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