You can find out what personal information the federal government has about you by making a formal request under the Privacy Act.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 2 hours
Here's How:
- Consult the federal government Info Source to identify the federal government departments or agencies you think may have the information you wish to find, for example Health Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Download a Personal Information Request Form. The Form is available in Rich Text Format or PDF.
- Complete the Personal Information Request Form. Identify yourself clearly to demonstrate that it is you, and not someone else, asking for your personal information. Be as specific as possible with your information request.
- In Info Source, find the name and address of the Privacy Coordinator for the appropriate federal government department or agency.
- Send the completed Personal Information Request Form to the Privacy Coordinator of the appropriate federal government department or agency.
- Wait for 30 days for a response. If your request cannot be filled in 30 days you will receive a notice that a 30-day extension will be required.
Tips:
- If you think information on file is false, send a letter to the Privacy Coordinator asking for a correction. Even if the government does not change the information, they must attach a note of your request to the file.
