How to Submit an Access to Information Request

Steps to Submit a Formal Access Request

1. Fill out an Access to Information Request Form or letter with the following information:

  • A statement, indicating that you are making a request under the Access to Information Act;
  • as specific a description as possible of the records to which you seek access;
  • your name, address, telephone numbers and email address (if applicable); and
  • the date 

Please DO NOT include your Social Insurance Number, passport number or driver’s licence number with your initial request.

If you are seeking your own personal information under our control, please consult How to submit a Privacy Act request to CATSA process.

2. Enclose the application fee of $5.00 by cheque or money order payable to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for each request. Once payment is received, we can begin to formally process your request.

3. Send your form or letter to:

CATSA Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Office
99 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON
K1P 6B9

Who Can File a Formal Access to Information Request?

  • You must either be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or be present in Canada to make an Access to Information request. If you are a Canadian living abroad, you must provide proof of citizenship to receive the information you seek.
  • If you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, you can have a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or someone present in Canada submit a request on your behalf.
  • Corporations, businesses and organizations with a Canadian presence have the right to make an Access to Information request.

Steps to Submit an Informal Access Request

  1. You may informally request records that were released by CATSA in response to requests made under the Access to Information Act. Records requested informally will be disclosed as they were previously released under the Access to Information Act, including format, language and any exemptions or exclusions that were applied at the time of release. To submit a request for information, you must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or an individual or corporation currently present in Canada.
  2. No fees are charged for informal requests. The statutory right to complain to the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada does not extend to informal requests.
  3. You may make your informal request through the Government of Canada's Open Government website or send it in writing or by email to:

CATSA Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Office
99 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON
K1P 6B9
E-mail: atip@catsa.gc.ca