Veterans Affairs Canada
www.vac-acc.gc.ca
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RSS FeedsAccess to Information and Privacy (ATIP)
The mandate of the ATIP Coordinator’s Office at Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is to administer the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, and to ensure VAC is in compliance with legislative and policy requirements. Key activities include:
- Processing requests under both Acts;
- Providing advice to anyone seeking information under VAC’s control;
- Promoting awareness of both Acts;
- Preparing annual reports to Parliament;
- Monitoring departmental compliance with both Acts;
The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act came into effect in July 1983. Both Acts provide a right of access to information held by federal government institutions. However, exemptions or exclusions related to these Acts may be applied to some information contained within the records which prevents its disclosure.
What is the Access to Information Act?
laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showtdm/cs/A-1 (Opens in New window)The Access to Information Act gives all Canadian Citizens, permanent residents and corporate entities present in Canada the right to apply for and obtain copies of federal government records. "Record" means any documentary material, regardless of medium or form.
Records about the policies, programs, general operations of the federal government, and personal information about individuals deceased for more than twenty years may be accessed under the Access to Information Act.
The Access to Information Act does not apply to information that is already available publicly, such as publications or material in libraries and museums. Cabinet documents are also excluded for a period of 20 years.
What is the Privacy Act?
laws.justice.gc.ca/en/P-21/index.htmlThe Privacy Act protects the privacy of individuals with respect to personal information held by a government institution. It also provides individuals the right to access their own personal information and to request correction of their personal information.
Personal client information collected by VAC which is required to deliver a wide range of programs and benefits may be accessed under the Privacy Act. This may include biographical, financial, medical, and similar types of personal information.
