Access to Information Modernization Action Plan
Following the first legislated access to information review, this plan outlines actions that will be undertaken by Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat between fiscal year 2023-2024 and 2025-2026 to make operational and administrative improvements to the access to information regime. The action plan is one of the key pillars of the Government of Canada Trust and Transparency Strategy.
The Access to Information Modernization Action Plan results tracking tool provides progress updates on the efforts to modernize the access to information regime.
The action plan replaces the Key Actions on Access to Information previously maintained from summer 2020-winter 2024. The key actions will remain archived and accessible for future reference.
On this page
Message from the President
As President of the Treasury Board, I am presenting the Government of Canada’s Access to Information Modernization Action Plan (ATI MAP).
In 2019, Parliament passed Bill C-58, an Act to amend the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, the first major reform to this law in over 30 years. Among other improvements, the amendments established a regular review of the Act.
In 2020, the Government of Canada launched the first review since the requirement was introduced in 2019.
The resulting Access to Information Review Report to Parliament underscored the importance of access to information as a cornerstone of our democracy, recognizing that openness, transparency and accountability are guiding principles of the Government of Canada. Moreover, it provided a roadmap for necessary improvements to reflect Canadians’ and Indigenous Peoples’ expectations for an accessible, timely and trustworthy access to information system.
In June 2023, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI) completed a study and issued a report entitled The State of Canada’s Access to Information System. As noted in the government response to that report, I appreciated the committee’s advice and the views of stakeholders who appeared before the committee in support of the study.
The government shares many of the committee’s views noted in its recommendations. In line with conclusions advanced in the Access to Information Review Report to Parliament, the government is focused on addressing the most pressing operational and administrative challenges facing the ATI regime. Addressing these challenges will improve the overall functioning of the system and support institutions in providing the timely and consistent service that requesters deserve.
This ATI MAP outlines a way forward to improve the administration of the current legislative framework from 2023 to 2026. It will be complemented by the second upcoming legislated review of the Access to Information Act in 2025. This second review will provide another opportunity for the Government of Canada to modernize the access to information regime and leverage the ETHI Committee’s advice on proposed reforms of the ATIA.
I invite you to explore the ATI MAP and follow its implementation over the next 3 years. The initiatives outlined in it will support the administration of the ATIA across 265 institutions subject to the act. These initiatives will also enable a stronger, more efficient, and more reliable access to information system for all Canadians and Indigenous Peoples.
Introduction
The Access to Information Act (ATIA) provides the legislative foundation for an open, transparent, and accountable federal government. The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized the ATIA as a quasi-constitutional statute in Canada that is vital to civic participation in the democratic process. This is why the Government of Canada is committed to providing Canadians with a modernized, reliable, and responsive ATI regime.
In December 2022, the President of the Treasury Board tabled the inaugural Access to Information Review Report (the ATI Review Report) in Parliament. In conducting the ATI Review, the Government of Canada consulted with Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, experts, key stakeholders, and users of the ATI regime – including journalists, academics, ATI professionals and civil society organizations. The resulting report outlined three strategic goals:
- Improving service to Canadians as it relates to access to information
- Increasing trust and transparency in institutions
- Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
The ATI Review Report presented 21 conclusions that highlighted several areas where administrative or operational improvements are needed to achieve these goals.
Also in 2022, the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI) conducted a study of the ATI system. In an appearance before ETHI Committee as part of the study in April 2023, the then-President of the Treasury Board noted the Government’s intention to publish this action plan by the end of fiscal year (FY) 2023–24.
On June 20, 2023, ETHI Committee tabled its report entitled, “The State of Canada’s Access to Information System.”That report examined the findings of the review and made 38 legislative and non-legislative recommendations to improve the ATI system.
The subsequent Government Response, tabled in Parliament on October 17, 2023, addressed the recommendations submitted by the ETHI Committee. Moreover, it conveyed the Government’s intention to address the most pressing operational and administrative challenges facing the ATI regime to meet the expectations of Canadians, through implementation of the Access to Information Modernization Action Plan (ATI MAP).
In targeting the most pressing administrative and operational challenges facing the ATI regime, the Action Plan is intended to improve the ATI regime as it is currently experienced by users and support a shift to the digital age. This means:
- promoting the exploration and adoption of modern digital and AI-enabled tools
- providing guidance that enables the timely processing of requests
- providing requesters with a single digital window to access government information
- strengthening the ATI workforce through enhanced recruitment and training
The ATI MAP also addresses some of the underlying challenges that impact timely access—namely improving information management and addressing the absence of a systematic approach to declassification and downgrading of the security categorization of records. This work will require close collaboration with other federal government institutions to meaningfully improve the administration of the ATIA.
Collectively, the measures outlined in the ATI MAP will:
- facilitate timely processing of ATI requests
- strengthen the ATI workforce
- help counter misinformation and disinformation
- strengthen transparency and access to information for all Canadians and users of the regime, including Indigenous Peoples
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) will provide annual updates to Canadians on progress on the various actions in the ATI MAP. This will enable Canadians to track the Government of Canada’s progress on a regular basis.
As TBS implements the ATI MAP and prepares for the next review of the ATIA, TBS will ensure that processes are in place to continue to engage Canadians, the users of the ATI regime and key stakeholders such as the Information Commissioner to ensure that the access to information system meet their expectations for accessible, timely and trustworthy information.
Improving services to Canadians
The first strategic goal is to improve service delivery to Canadians, including addressing capacity challenges faced by the ATI community that are impacting those services.
Actions to strengthen the ATI workforce
A major focus of the ATI Review Report was the ATI workforce. Two of the report’s sections and their conclusions identified the need to build the capacity of the ATI community and undertake government-wide strategic workforce planning.
The ATI Review Report identified that a strong ATI workforce was necessary to successfully deliver ATI services to Canadians. The following actions show how the Government of Canada intends to strengthen the ATI workforce through enhanced recruitment and training, as well as the provision of updated guidance on roles and responsibilities, to enable the ATI community to better respond to the demands of the regime.
Conclusions of the report:
Building ATI community capacity
Clarifying roles, responsibilities, and training for ATIP officials, with appropriate centralization of core services to the community, will make ATI services more consistent and efficient across the Government of Canada.
ATI workforce planning
An enterprise-wide ATI workforce strategy would improve composition, competency, recruitment, and retention of ATIP professionals.
| Actions | Benefits to the ATI regime, Canadians and Indigenous Peoples | Target date |
|---|---|---|
Provide information sessions, training, and professional development to ATI professionals, including training on specific issues such as the duty to assist and declining to act. |
Through standardized and centralized training ATI professionals better understand key provisions of the ATIA and can apply it consistently. Canadians obtain more consistent and higher quality responses to ATI requests. |
Ongoing |
Update ATI courses provided by the Canada School of Public Service and enhance current course offerings. |
ATI professionals and other public servants can access current and relevant ATI training to support their work and better understand their role and obligations with respect to access to information. All public servants are better able to support Canadians’ right of access. |
FY 2024–25 |
Facilitate dialogue on best practices and mutual challenges among ATI professionals and with ATI stakeholders. |
ATI professionals and stakeholders across government share best practices and mutual challenges, reducing the duplication of work on similar issues. Institutions are supported in increasing their efficiency in responding to ATI requests and consistency in the interpretation of the ATIA for Canadians. |
FY 2024–25 |
Clarify the roles and responsibilities of ATI offices, ATI coordinators and ATI professionals, and ensure that other ATI-related activities are factored into the resource needs of ATIP offices. |
The role, responsibilities and core activities in ATI offices are clearly defined. ATI offices can allocate resources appropriately to ATI-related duties to improve compliance with legislated timelines and improve ATI services to Canadians. |
FY 2025–26 |
Lead external recruitment processes to hire new ATI professionals. |
ATI workforce capacity is increased through external recruitment processes. Institutions have increased processing capacity and can provide timely responses to Canadians’ ATI requests. |
Ongoing |
Create model job descriptions for ATI professionals. |
Clear and consistent expectations for ATI professionals are established to help recruit and retain employees, and better enable centralized recruitment initiatives. Institutions across government have increased processing capacity and can provide timely responses to Canadians’ ATI requests. |
FY 2025–26 |
Provide guidance to institutions on the inclusion of ATI services in departmental business continuity plans. |
Institutions can prioritize the continued delivery of ATI services during extraordinary circumstances. Canadians can continue to access government records during extraordinary circumstances. |
FY 2024–25 |
Actions to reduce delays
The ATI Review Report identified extensions and consultations as two interrelated issues that can have a significant impact on whether institutions meet their legislated timelines. The ATI Review Report called for the exploration of approaches to reduce associated delays. The impact of these processing issues is such that complaints on extensions are one of the most common complaints received by the Office of the Information Commissioner.
The following actions focus on training and guidance, including suggested service standards, to help ATI professionals apply extensions and undertake consultations more consistently to deliver timely responses to Canadians’ access to information requests.
Conclusions of the report:
Extensions
Exploring ways to reduce the use of lengthy extensions in concert with digital innovation and ATI capacity improvements, could increase institutional compliance with legislated deadlines in the ATIA.
Consultations
Examining policy options that seek to reduce the time taken to consult while improving necessary inter-institutional consultation capacity, alongside digital innovation and ATI capacity improvements, could improve institutional compliance with legislated timelines in the ATIA.
| Actions | Benefits to the ATI regime, Canadians and Indigenous Peoples | Target date |
|---|---|---|
Update the guidance on consultations, including suggested service standards, and develop tools to support institutions with consultations. |
Consultation processes for ATI requests are more effective and consistent, with fewer delays from lengthy consultations. Canadians receive responses to requests in a timely manner, even when consultations between institutions are required. |
FY 2024–25 |
Provide targeted training to the ATI community on consultations. |
Consultation processes for ATI requests are more effective and consistent, with fewer delays from lengthy consultations. Canadians receive responses to requests in a timely manner, even when consultations between institutions are required. |
FY 2024–25 |
Update the guidance on extensions, including their relationship to consultations, the term “reasonable period,” and suggested service standards. |
Extensions on ATI requests are applied consistently, and fewer lengthy extensions are taken. Canadians receive timely responses to ATI requests from all institutions. |
FY 2025–26 |
Provide targeted training to the ATI community on extensions. |
FY 2025–26 |
|
Review the reporting requirements for consultations and extensions. |
Canadians are aware of which institutions frequently rely on consultations and require lengthy extensions. Canadians understand the use of extensions on ATI requests and their justification. |
FY 2025–26 |
Actions to provide modern digital tools and improve request processing
The challenges faced by the ATI regime are compounded by the continuously evolving digital age and how Canadians expect government services to evolve. Leveraging advanced technology, such as the ATIP Online request platform or new request processing software, will be integral to successfully delivering ATI services that meet the needs and expectations of Canadians.
Providing clear guidance is just as important to help institutions administer complex requests and enable more effective, efficient, and consistent request processing overall.
The following actions focus on promoting the adoption of modern and inclusive digital tools while building on previous successes and providing additional guidance to institutions to improve request processing.
Conclusions of the report:
Administering complex requests
Exploring ways to leverage technology to administer complex ATI requests will be a net benefit to all ATI requesters and institutions alike.
Accessibility and official languages
Products and services delivered under the ATI regime need to be inclusive of all those exercising their right of access.
| Actions | Benefits to the ATI regime, Canadians and Indigenous Peoples | Target date |
|---|---|---|
Provide guidance to institutions on provisions for declining to act on requests that are vexatious, made in bad faith, or are otherwise an abuse of the right of access. |
ATI professionals understand decline-to-act provisions and apply them consistently. Canadians’ ATI requests are subjected to decline-to-act provisions only when appropriate and following an exercise of the institution’s duty to assist. |
FY 2024–25 |
Provide guidance to institutions on fulfilling their duty to assist, by clarifying requests when received and managing voluminous requests appropriately. |
ATI professionals can fulfill their duty to assist by clarifying requests upon receipt, which reduces the risk of processing unnecessarily complex requests. Canadians receive more timely responses to ATI requests containing the information they are looking for. |
FY 2024–25 |
Add non-mandatory questions to ATIP Online to help requesters make their requests as clear as possible. |
Institutions receive more information from requesters about the information sought, which makes the request easier to process with less need for clarification. Canadians are supported in making their requests as clear as possible and are better able to obtain the information they are looking for. |
FY 2024–25 |
Promote the adoption of modern digital tools to receive and process ATI requests. |
ATI professionals have the tools they need to receive and process ATI requests quickly and efficiently. Canadians can more easily submit requests to government institutions and receive more timely responses to ATI requests. |
FY 2024–25 |
Enhance the functionality of ATIP Online so that Canadians receive end-to-end digital ATIP service delivery. |
ATI professionals have the tools they need to receive and process ATI requests quickly and efficiently. Canadians can more easily submit requests to government institutions and receive more timely responses to ATI requests. |
FY 2025–26 |
Explore ways to leverage technology to administer complex ATI requests, including by increasing the availability of digital tools that can facilitate the retrieval of records and processing of requests. |
ATI professionals have the tools they need to receive and process ATI requests quickly and efficiently. Canadians can more easily submit requests to government institutions and receive more timely responses to ATI requests. |
FY 2025–26 |
Update policies to provide guidance on the importance of official languages and accessibility in responding to ATI requests, assisting requesters, and fulfilling proactive publication requirements. |
ATI professionals are aware of their responsibility to deliver services that are accessible and available in both official languages. Everyone who submits an ATI request or accesses proactive publications receives the same level of service, in the official language of their choice. |
FY 2023–24 |
Review reporting requirements on the timeliness of responses provided to ATI requests received in French and in English. |
Timeliness of responses on ATI requests in both official languages is transparent for Canadians. |
FY 2025–26 |
Enhancing trust and transparency
As noted in the ATI Review Report, the Supreme Court of Canada recognizes the ATIA as quasi-constitutional in nature because it is a key enabler of other rights, such as freedom of expression and democratic participation. Ensuring that records are available for review either through publications or when requested by Canadians—and that the exceptions to that access are limited and specific—is a key aspect of how the ATI regime supports those rights.
Two of the foremost issues of the digital age impacting governments around the world are misinformation and disinformation. This strategic goal focuses on the provision of accurate, trustworthy information to Canadians, including proactive disclosure of records that can help counter information pollution.
Actions to address declassification and improve information management
This subcategory focuses on three of the report’s conclusions about how the Government of Canada might improve the administration of records to make the review process more efficient before a request is ever received. The conclusions relate to:
- regularly re-assessing whether records can be downgraded or declassified
- the obligation to maintain consistent and thorough records of government decisions, and
- recognition of how information management practices impact the ATI regime
These actions aim to make it easier for the ATI system to handle records and make sure government records, even highly classified or decision-making records, are available when Canadians request them.
Conclusions of the report:
Declassification
A systematized approach to declassification supports government transparency and accountability, enhances access to Canada’s history, and improves the agility of the ATI regime and security of information systems.
Obligation to document decisions
There are opportunities to improve the documentation of government decisions, which is essential to ensuring government accountability and transparency, and it is a core element of strategic information management.
Information management and access to information
Effective information management is foundational to digital innovation, and the reverse is equally true. A more consistent strategic lifecycle management of the Government of Canada’s information and data assets will require looking at how centralized frameworks and governance, improved storage and organization, retention requirements and metadata tagging tools could yield broad improvements across government in service delivery and program efficiencies.
| Actions | Benefits to the ATI regime, Canadians and Indigenous Peoples | Target date |
|---|---|---|
Establish a working group to discuss ways to facilitate the processing of ATI requests for highly classified documents. |
Strategies are identified to support more efficient processing of highly classified documents in response to ATI requests. Canadians receive timely responses even when requests involve highly classified documents. |
FY 2025–26 |
Provide guidance on how record categorization impacts the ATI regime, and the importance of assigning appropriate security categories and periodic re-assessment. |
Public servants are encouraged to regularly re-assess the security categorization of records, which may result in downgrading and declassification where appropriate. Sensitive information in records is reviewed and maintained appropriately, resulting in more efficient ATI request processing. |
FY 2025–26 |
Provide additional information to public servants on the consequences of obstructing the right of access. |
Public servants understand what constitutes obstructing the right of access and its consequences. The risk of public servants obstructing the right of access of Canadians is reduced. |
FY 2024–25 |
Provide training to public servants on the impact of the duty to document on ATI. |
Public servants are aware of the importance of the duty to document, and they regularly document decisions. Relevant records can be provided to Canadians upon request, thereby increasing trust and transparency in government. |
FY 2024–25 |
Encourage the proactive disclosure of decision-making information of interest to Canadians. |
Transparency is strengthened through proactive disclosure of more information about decision-making. Canadians can access key information that informed government decision making. |
FY 2024–25 |
Update guidance on retention and disposition schedules for ATI records. |
ATI records are managed more consistently throughout their life cycle across government. Timely access for Canadians to government information is facilitated through informal processes. |
FY 2024–25 |
Provide training and guidance to public servants and ATI professionals on how IM practices impact the processing of ATI requests. |
Public servants are more aware of how good IM practices support better record-keeping and an efficient ATI regime. Improved timeliness of ATI request responses for Canadians. |
FY 2024–25 |
Actions to make government more open and transparent
Canada is seen as a global leader in open government and open data, but there are opportunities for improvement, to increase the publication of high value information to the public. This will ensure that the public continues to receive timely, proactive access to this information and data in line with legislative requirements.
Canada’s open government and proactive publication initiatives are enabled by the Open Government Portal, which has been in place since 2011. The Portal continues to be a key digital tool to counter misinformation and disinformation because it provides easy access to Government of Canada data, information and proactive publications released under an open license, which permits people to use and re-use the content.
The following actions aim to advance and evolve open government initiatives, as well as proactive publication to provide Canadians with accurate, trustworthy information.
Conclusions of the report:
Open data
Developing and updating training and guidance on the value of open data will improve the usefulness of open data, allow it to be delivered through a single digital platform, and unlock significant benefits to data users.
Improving proactive publications
The Government of Canada is committed to examining ways to improve proactively published information under Part 2 of the ATIA, including engaging with users to identify high demand and high value information, as well as developing improved accountability mechanisms in support of public trust and government transparency.
| Actions | Benefits to the ATI regime, Canadians and Indigenous Peoples | Target date |
|---|---|---|
Ensure requirements related to open data are clear, including targeting information and data of public interest. |
Institutions regularly assess the feasibility of releasing information and data outside of the ATI regime. Canadians have access to more information and data of interest without having to submit an ATI request. |
Ongoing |
Provide guidance to institutions on the complementary release of information as articulated under section 2 of the ATIA. |
Institutions regularly assess the feasibility of releasing information and data outside of the ATI regime. Canadians have access to more information and data of interest without having to submit an ATI request. |
FY 2024–25 |
Facilitate sharing of information and best practices on proactive publication. |
A strong government-wide proactive publication community supports the delivery of requirements under Part 2 of the ATIA. Institutions can deliver more reliable, efficient and consistent proactive publications for Canadians. |
FY 2025–26 |
Develop training material to support institutions meet their proactive publication obligations under the ATIA. |
A strong government-wide proactive publication community supports the delivery of requirements under Part 2 of the ATIA. Institutions can deliver more reliable, efficient and consistent proactive publications for Canadians. |
FY 2023–24 |
Monitor available data to gain insight into current usage of proactive publications. |
Institutions know which proactive publications Canadians are accessing the most. Canadians can access information or data of interest without having to submit an ATI request. |
FY 2025–26 |
Provide direction and guidance on implementing Part 2 of the ATIA, including expectations for institutional monitoring. |
Institutions consistently provide Canadians with complete, accurate and timely government information available on a central platform. Canadians can access key government information without having to submit an ATI request. |
FY 2023–24 |
Encourage institutions to use the Open Government Portal and to address any barriers they may face in doing so. |
Use of the Open Government Portal makes it easier for institutions to monitor and improve accountability related to proactive publication under Part 2 of the ATIA. Proactive publications are delivered consistently to Canadians within legislative timelines, which increases trust and transparency. |
FY 2023–24 |
Promote the use of the Open Government Portal as a single source of information published in accordance with the proactive publication requirements of the ATIA. |
Canadians can easily access information published under Part 2 of the ATIA in one central location. |
FY 2023–24 |
Actions to support the right of access and consistent application of exceptions
The purpose of the ATIA is to enhance accountability and transparency of government institutions by providing access to government records. A foundational principle of the ATIA is that information should be available to the public, with necessary exceptions to that right being limited and specific.
The following subcategory focuses on reinforcing the right of access and helping to ensure that, in the administration of ATI requests, any exceptions to the right of access are limited and specific.
The following actions aim to help institutions meet their legal obligations under the ATIA, including:
- clarifying how information about government institutions is shared
- providing training and guidance on how to apply exemptions and exclusions, and specific factors to consider when determining whether to withhold government information
Conclusions of the report:
Information about government institutions
Re-examining the way in which the ATIA’s section 5 obligations are delivered will improve both the user-centricity of ATI and ability of institutions to compile and disclose this information while reducing redundant information sources.
Public interest and the ATIA
The public interest is a critical determinant in deciding what information should be disclosed, alongside the diminishing risks related to the passage of time.
Examining the exemptions regime
Examining options to clarify legitimate sensitivities and risks around the disclosure of government information could improve understanding of all transparency and accountability initiatives, including for both ATI users and practitioners, the public, and the Government of Canada writ large.
Exclusions
Collaborating with relevant offices (such as Privy Council Office and the Department of Justice) to explore policy options that enhance transparency and accountability with respect to excluded information, while maintaining necessary protections and safeguards for Cabinet confidences and ensuring coherence with the broader legal framework governing their protection in Canada.
Sunset clauses for exemptions and exclusions
Alongside the public interest, the passage of time is a critical determinant in what information may be publicly disclosed and when. A relationship can be established between the application of exemptions and the responsibility to declassify or disclose records that are no longer sensitive.
| Actions | Benefits to the ATI regime, Canadians and Indigenous Peoples | Target date |
|---|---|---|
Re-examine the way in which the ATIA’s section 5 obligations are delivered. |
Government information is organized consistently across institutions and program areas. Canadians can easily find the information they are looking for about government institutions and programs. |
FY 2025–26 |
Develop guidance on the importance of the public interest when using discretionary exemptions under the ATIA. |
ATI professionals give public interest greater importance when applying discretionary exemptions under the ATIA. Canadians receive more records in response to ATI requests because public interest was considered. |
FY 2024–25 |
Provide additional guidance on applying exemptions and exclusions, including for Cabinet Confidences. |
ATI professionals receive centralized training and guidance to be more consistent in how they apply exemptions and exclusions. Exemptions and exclusions are applied more consistently to ATI requests across government, so Canadians receive more consistent responses to ATI requests. |
FY 2024–25 |
Provide training to the ATI community on how to apply exemptions and exclusions, including for Cabinet Confidences. |
ATI professionals receive centralized training and guidance to be more consistent in how they apply exemptions and exclusions. Exemptions and exclusions are applied more consistently to ATI requests across government, so Canadians receive more consistent responses to ATI requests. |
FY 2024–25 |
Publish a plain language guide to exemptions and exclusions. |
The guide, available publicly, explains to Canadians why certain information requested under the ATIA is not disclosed. Canadians can more easily understand why certain information may be withheld under the ATIA. |
FY 2023–24 |
Provide guidance to institutions on the consideration of the passage of time when applying discretionary exemptions. |
ATI professionals consider the passage of time when applying discretionary exemptions under the ATIA. More records are released to Canadians, particularly historical records, in response to ATI requests following consideration of the passage of time. |
FY 2024–25 |
Advancing indigenous reconciliation
During the ATI Review’s engagement process, Indigenous partners highlighted that Indigenous requesters face unique access issues and rely on the ATIP system for critical purposes such as:
- advancing claims related to historical grievances
- Aboriginal title, rights and treaty rights litigation
- establishing status under the Indian Act through genealogical records
The following actions aim to embed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) within the ATI regime, including through the delivery of culturally appropriate ATI services and transitioning to Indigenous control of information and data. These actions will support the Government of Canada’s commitment to implementing UNDA and continuing to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through ATI.
Conclusions of the report:
Indigenous control of information and data
The Government of Canada is committed to respecting and supporting Indigenous self-determination in Canada, including facilitating and supporting Indigenous-led information and data strategies.
Culturally appropriate services
The Government of Canada is committed to removing Indigenous Peoples’ barriers to access information from government institutions, in concert with furthering Indigenous-led information and data strategies.
| Actions | Benefits to the ATI regime and Indigenous Peoples | Target date |
|---|---|---|
Support Indigenous Data Sovereignty by working with other departments to advance Indigenous control of federal information, and Indigenous-led information and data strategies, per Action Plan Measure Shared Priority #30 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) Action Plan. |
The Government of Canada's commitment to Indigenous Data Sovereignty is demonstrated by facilitating timely sharing and access of federally controlled information with Indigenous partners through a whole-of-government approach. Indigenous Peoples and their representatives obtain greater control of and access to their information and data. |
Ongoing |
Work with Crown and Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada to accelerate the transfer of records relevant to Indigenous Peoples to Library and Archives Canada (LAC), as recommended by Indigenous partners. |
Transferring records of archival value to LAC makes it easier for Indigenous Peoples and their representatives to access this information, which promotes Indigenous access and control of information. |
Ongoing |
Develop targeted tools and guidance to help Indigenous requesters submit ATI requests. |
Indigenous requesters are provided with the resources they need to make ATI requests. Indigenous requesters can access information in the easiest way possible that takes into consideration their individual context. |
FY 2025–26 |
Increase cultural competency training for ATIP professionals. |
ATIP professionals are trained to provide culturally appropriate services to Indigenous requesters. Indigenous requesters receive improved, culturally appropriate services. |
Ongoing |
Provide training and guidance promoting informal and complementary processes to make it easier for Indigenous requesters to access information. |
Institutions regularly assess the feasibility of releasing information relevant to Indigenous requesters outside of the formal ATI regime. Indigenous Peoples can access more information of interest to them. |
FY 2025–26 |
Support the implementation of the UNDA in the context of ATI services. |
ATI modernization advances reconciliation in a way that is respectful of Indigenous rights, culture and traditions. |
Ongoing |
Conclusion
Review of the ATIA
As of 2019, the ATIA requires that the President undertake a review of the ATIA every five years following the first review. Given that the first review was undertaken in June 2020, the next mandated review is to be launched by June 2025.
The ATI MAP prioritizes administrative and operational initiatives to improve the administration of the current legal framework, to enable government institutions to provide the timely and consistent ATI services that Canadians deserve.
The next review of the ATIA will give the Government of Canada the opportunity to explore ways to continue strengthening the ATI regime and address the following conclusions that would require legislative change.
Conclusions of the report:
Universal access
Examining the groundwork completed in the issuance of the Privacy Act Extension Order can inform a path forward to address legitimate access needs where they exist.
Independent oversight
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous self-determination in Canada, including examining the best mechanisms to achieve this outcome, such as independent review.
Definition of “aboriginal government” in the ATIA
The Government of Canada is committed to implementing the UN Declaration Act, updating and aligning language used in laws of Canada related to Indigenous peoples and communities, including the definition of “aboriginal government” in the ATIA.
The Government of Canada recognizes the significant input that has already been provided with respect to the Access to Information Act, including the 38 recommendations contained in ETHI Committee’s study on the state of the ATI system. The valuable feedback and conclusions identified in the 2020 Review Report and the 2023 ETHI report provide a strong foundation to build upon leading up to the next review.
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