You can apply to access information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act. The information needs to be held by a government department or a public sector body that Information Access and Privacy Services supports.
Apply to access information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
If you request administrative or general records, some of the information may be held back. In these cases, the information is exempt from being released under the law.
You can access previously released responses to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy requests. This includes all Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy responses that are approved for publication and meet response disclosure criteria.
Information Access and Privacy Services can answer questions about the application process, help identify what information is held by which public sector body, or let you know if you can get the information you want without making a formal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy request.
Anyone can apply to access information from government departments and public sector bodies that Information Access and Privacy Services supports. The public sector bodies that Information Access and Privacy Services supports are Tourism Nova Scotia, Develop Nova Scotia, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI).
It should take 2 to 5 days to hear back that your request has been received. The government department or public sector body you hear back from will let you know how long your request should take to complete. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Government departments and public sector bodies have 30 days to respond to your request for records. They can extend it up to 60 days if you’ve requested a large number of records or if they need to consult with third parties.
There's no cost if you request information about yourself.
It’s $5 if you request information that’s not about yourself.
There may be an additional cost if you request a large number of records or if the department or public sector body needs to consult with third parties.
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit card, cheque, money order, cash. Make your cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. Payment options may vary depending on how you apply.
When you pay online you need to pay the fee by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard).
You can use the Application for Access to a Record (Form 1) (PDF 270 kB) if you’re unable to apply online. Or use the form as an example and prepare your own documents. If you prepare your own, you need to include all details outlined on the form. Send your completed application or prepared documents, supporting documents and payment by mail or email.