Apply to access information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act (Form 1)
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.
Exempt from Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy requests
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.
Exemptions include:
- cabinet records
- certain pieces of law enforcement information
- records that can prejudice intergovernmental relations
- records or information that includes recommendations or advice
- personal information that could invade the privacy of an individual
- certain records supplied in confidence by a third party
- most labour relations records
- privileged legal advice
- confidential business information
Access information previously released (disclosed) information
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.
Help with your request
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.
Eligibility
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).
How to apply
- Check previously released (disclosed) information to see if the information you’re looking for has already been released.
- Apply online if the information you’re looking hasn’t already been released.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Include payment with your application if you’re asking for information that’s not about yourself.
- Submit your completed application, supporting documents and payment.
How long it takes
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.
Cost
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.
Payment options
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).
Before you start
Make sure you:
- identify the information or records you want and provide as much detail as possible
- identify which government department or public sector body holds the information or records
Apply online
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.