DM/CDS Message: New CDS/DM Directive to improve compliance with the Access to Information and Privacy Acts

June 17, 2025 - Defence Stories

We are pleased to announce the release of the new CDS/DM Directive to Improve Compliance with the Access to Information and Privacy Acts (ATIP).

The Directive sets clear expectations for how the Defence Team will uphold its legal obligations under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act (the “Acts”). Its purpose is to strengthen compliance across the institution and reinforce our commitment to transparent, accountable, and timely service to Canadians.

To achieve this, the Directive outlines practical measures to ensure compliance with the Acts, including:

• Fostering a culture of compliance and timeliness: Focus on service delivery, justify extensions only when necessary, and adhere to established timelines.
• Clarifying roles and responsibilities: Ensure all Defence Team members understand their ATIP obligations and actively support compliance.
• Improving digital record retention and filing: Maintain accessible, well-managed records to support efficient responses.
• Taking full accountability: Make every reasonable effort to locate, retrieve, and submit complete and accurate records.
• Providing training and tools: Build workforce capacity and ensure consistent application of ATIP requirements.

Every member of the Defence Team has a role to play and support from all Level 1 organizations is essential to implementing this Directive effectively. We ask that you work closely with the Directorate of Access to Information and Privacy (DAIP) to meet our collective obligations under the law.

As described in the recently released CDS/DM Directive for Stewardship of Digital Assets, effectively managing, storing, and retrieving information is not only critical to our operational success, it is the very foundation of how we work to meet our obligations under the Acts. It directly impacts our ability to stay secure, build trust with stakeholders, and demonstrates our commitment to transparency and openness. 

Delivering timely and complete responses to Canadians reflects our professionalism and strengthens public trust. Your leadership in this area is key to ensuring that we meet both the spirit and the letter of our legislative responsibilities.

Thank you for your continued support.