Accessing records: Before you make a request

References

In order to ensure the efficient processing of requests for historical records, please provide the title and archival references for the records you are looking for (unless none are available). This includes a reference, file or item identification number. Use Collection search to find this information. The format for references can be found here.

Some examples include:

• Reference: R1185-15-3-E, RG37-B, Volume number: 189
• Item ID number: 5016475
• RG25-A-3-b, Volume number: 5974, File number: 50239-40, File part: 1
• RG13-A-2, Volume number: 2210, File number: 1925-702

Your ATIP request will automatically be placed on hold upon receipt if:

• No archival reference is provided or if the information provided is not specific enough to identify the records being sought. You will be contacted for clarifications.
• It is estimated that your request is too voluminous. We will contact you to re-scope or prioritize the elements in your request.
• If you are requesting a military service file of a former Canadian Armed Forces member and you have not provided sufficient information to identify the individual’s file. Please include information such as the individual’s name, date and place of birth, service number, branch and dates of service, and parents’ names.

Fees

A $5 application fee is required for a formal Access to Information request. It is payable through the Access to Information and Privacy Online Request Service.

With a view to facilitating Indigenous people’s access to records, Indigenous requesters or their representatives can request fee waivers under the condition of ‘advancing reconciliation’. Please contact us by e-mail at daiprp-atipd@bac-lac.gc.ca to submit a request to waive the $5 application fee.

For requests sent by email or mail, the fee must be paid by a cheque or money order made out to the Receiver General of Canada.

Proof of identity

To prove who you are, you will need to submit two pieces of identification. Please refer to this list of accepted documentation.

If you are researching information about someone other than yourself, you may also need:

Proof of consent

To prove that the person you are researching agrees to share their information with you, you will need one of the following documents:

• Third-party consent form (PDF document)
• Proof of power of attorney
• An official letter signed by the person whose information is being requested, which grants an organization access to their information

Proof of death

If the person is deceased, you may need to submit the following:

• Proof of death (death certificate, photograph of a gravestone, etc.)

For the full list of accepted documents, please consult this page.

Band council resolution (BCR) or letter of authorization

Attach a Band Council Resolution or a letter authorizing you to access and conduct research on files pertaining to First Nations, Inuit or Métis for the purpose of researching or validating the claims, disputes or grievances.

The BCR or the letter must include

• the name of the researcher or research firm
• the name of the reserve, the band and the province or territory
• the specific nature of the research
• the signatures of the Chief and Council (in a quorum)

If a research firm is named in the BCR or letter, also attach proof that you are associated with that firm.

Please note that 8(2)(k) requests are for accessing personal information to research or validate claims, disputes or grievances.

If your request does not require accessing personal information, please submit an Access to Information request. It will ensure delivery to the appropriate specialists and a timely response.

Request form Fill out the Request for Personal Information under 8(2)(k) form (PDF document) and submit it with the above documentation by email or mail.