InfoSource and the Privacy Act

Finding your information with Info Source

In its day-to-day operations, the federal government collects personal information from almost everyone in Canada. The Privacy Act gives individuals the right to gain access to information that is held about them by the federal government. In addition, it strictly controls how the government will collect, use, store, disclose and dispose of personal information.

Info Source is a public directory that can help you figure out which federal government agency has personal information about you, and who you must contact to get it. It describes federal agencies, programs and personal information banks, and provides telephone numbers of people who can help, including the Privacy Coordinators' offices.

When you have decided to make a formal request under the Privacy Act, there are certain procedures to follow. You will find what you are looking for faster if you already have a good idea of which agency has the information you want. The key to finding this information is Info Source.

Where to obtain Info Source

You will find Info Source in most major public and academic libraries, constituency offices of federal Members of Parliament and most federal government public enquiry and service offices.

Where to obtain Personal Information Request Forms

Access to Personal Information Request Forms are also available at most major public and academic libraries, constituency offices of federal Members of Parliament and most federal government public enquiry and service offices. It is also available in numerous formats on the Info Source Web site.

In addition, these forms can be found on the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada Web site.

If you are unable to obtain a copy of Info Source, please write or call:

Distribution Centre
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
300 Laurier Avenue
P1 West Tower
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G5
Tel: (613) 995-2855
Fax: (613) 996-0518