Services for the Public

Access and Privacy Directory

The Access and Privacy Directory  has been created to help individuals know where they should go, write or call to make enquires about information held by public bodies covered by the Act.  It lists the public bodies covered by the Act and provides the address and telephone number for their Access and Privacy Coordinators/Contacts.   A copy of the Act, the Regulations and forms for making requests are included as appendices to this directory. 

How to make a Request for Access to Information

For information that is not normally available from a public body, a request can be made under the Act. A request must be made in writing. The request can be made using the Request for Access to Information form (français) or by writing a letter to the public body. If you are writing a letter, please indicate that you are making the request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The first step to making a request for information is to fill out a Request for Records form (français).  Make sure you:

  1. Identify the information that you want to access. Be as specific as possible. If you are not sure what records you want to access, contact the Access and Privacy Coordinator/Contact of the appropriate public body for assistance.
  2. Provide your name, address, and a telephone number where the Coordinator can contact you with any questions about the request.
  3. Sign the request form or letter.
  4. Send the completed request form or letter and the initial fee (if required) to the Coordinator of the public body most likely to have the information. The mailing address is given in this directory. If you are not sure that you have the correct public body, call the Coordinator and check first. If you send the request to the wrong public body, the Coordinator will transfer the request to the public body that has the records, resulting in a delay. The public body then has 30 days to provide you with a response.

Nominal fees can be charged for access to certain records depending on the type of information requested.

How to Request a Correction of Your Personal Information

If you believe the information a public body has about you is misleading or incorrect, you can make a request under the Act to have it corrected. Even if the public body does not agree to change the information, it must make a note on your file that you have requested the change.  Routine changes or corrections to personal information such as a new address or new telephone number do not require a formal request under the Act. Simply contact the public body that has the information and provide it with the change or correction.

A request for correction of personal information must be made in writing. The request can be made using the Request for Correction of Personal Information form (français) or by writing a letter to the public body. If you are writing a letter, please indicate that you are making the request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

When making a request for correction of personal information make sure you:

  1. Identify the information that you believe is wrong and give the correction. Be as specific as possible.
  2. Provide your name, address, and a telephone number where the Coordinator can contact you with any questions about the request.
  3. Sign the request form or letter.
  4. Send the completed request form or letter to the Coordinator of the public body most likely to have the information.

How to Request a Review by the NWT Information and Privacy Commissioner

The NWT Information and Privacy Commissioner provides an independent review of the decisions made under the ATIPP Act. The Commissioner may review the decision of a public body to not grant access to information or correct personal information. The Commissioner may also review how a public body has collected, used or disclosed your personal information.

If you are not satisfied with the response of a public body under the ATIPP Act, you may appeal their decision to the Information and Privacy The Commissioner provides an independent review of government access and privacy decisions. A Request for a Review must be delivered in writing to the Commissioner within 30 days after the person asking for the review is given notice of the decision of the public body.

Requests for a review must include:

  • The name of the public body whose decision is to be reviewed;
  • The nature of the original request;
  • The decision that is to be reviewed;
  • Your name, address and telephone number; and
  • Copies of the original request and the public body’s decision letter should also be provided if possible.

For more information, please contact:

Access and Privacy Office
Policy and Planning Division
Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories
PO Box 1320
Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Phone (867) 920-6418
Fax (867) 873-0659

Contact the Access and Privacy Coordinators/Contacts for information in other public bodies/government departments.

Last updated: May 2011