ATIPP FAQs

1. What does the Act do for you?

The ATIPP Act provides you with the right to request access to information, and to request that your personal information held by the GN be corrected if you feel it is incorrect. 

The ATIPP Act also ensures the GN protects your personal privacy. It is our legal obligation to protect the privacy of any personal information we hold pertaining to you.

2. Who is covered under the ATIPP Act?

All public bodies are subject to the ATIPP Act. A public body is defined by section 2 of the ATIPP Act as:

“A department, branch or office of the Government of Nunavut, or an agency, board, commission, corporation, office or other public body as designated in the Regulations.

It does not include:

The Office of the Legislative Assembly or the office of a member of the Legislative Assembly or a member of the Executive Council.” 

A full list of public bodies and their contact information can be found under ATIPP Coordinators and Contacts.

3. What types of information are accessible under the ATIPP Act?

Under the ATIPP Act, you may request access to any and all information held by the GN. This includes personal information about you as well as general information about the GN and the work we are doing. 

Certain information may not be available such as:

• personal information about other individuals; and
• information that could: 

1. cause a person or a public body to make or lose money;
2. be a threat to public safety;
3. interfere with law enforcement; and 

• Cabinet records for up to 15 years.

4. Do you always need to make a formal request to get information?

No. Although the ATIPP Act allows for applicants to place formal ATIPP requests, it does not replace other processes for access to government information or records. For more information on informal ATIPP requests, click here.

5. How do you make an access to information request?

For information on how to place an access to information request, click here. 

6. How long will it take to get a response to a formal ATIPP request?

In most cases, a response will be provided within 30 days from when the public body receives your request, unless the public body requires an extension as per Section 12 of the Act. 

A response may take longer than 30 days if any of the following applies: 

• a third party is affected by your request; or
• your request is not clear, requires additional search or preparation time.

If the public body is required to extend the deadline of your request beyond 30 days, you will be notified of any delay.

7. How much will it cost to make a formal ATIPP request?

To place an access to information request under the ATIPP Act for general information, you are required to pay a base fee of $25.00. If the access to information request is for personal information, you are not required to provide a base fee. 

If the public body considers it appropriate to apply additional fees to your access to information request you will be given an estimate of the cost for your approval before the request is processed. 

You may request a waiver of fees in writing if you feel paying for all or part of the fees is unreasonable or it may cause personal financial harm. 

For more information on fees under the ATIPP Act, click here.

8. What can you do if your informal request for information is refused?

If your informal request is refused for any reason, you can make a formal request through the ATIPP office.

For information about how to make a formal request, click here. 

9. What can you do if your formal request is refused in part or in total?

You can request a review of the public body's decision from Nunavut’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, who will make a recommendation to the public body. The head of the public body may follow the recommendation of the Information and Privacy Commissioner or make any other decision the head considers appropriate. 

In the event that you do not agree with the recommendation from Nunavut’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, or you are unsatisfied with the decision of the head of the public body, you may appeal to the Nunavut Court of Justice, which can order the release of information if it rules in your favour. 

10. How can you ensure the information about you is correct?

If you feel that information in public bodies’ custody is incorrect or inaccurate, you can formally request that it be changed. 

Details on how to correct your personal information are available here.

11. Is your identity protected when you make a request for information or contact a public body about a privacy breach?

Your personal information and identity will not be disclosed to anyone outside of the public body. Only those who require your information to be able to perform the duties of their job and who have a right to see the information will be provided with access.

12. How can you get help or find out more?

For assistance or more information, you can contact the ATIPP Office or ATIPP coordinators for designated public bodies.