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Access to Information Requests (Formerly FOIP)

On June 11, 2025, the Government of Alberta proclaimed the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), replacing the former Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). These new laws modernize how public bodies manage records and protect personal information.

The ATIA gives individuals the right to access records held by public bodies like Wheatland County, while the POPA sets out how personal information must be collected, used, disclosed, and safeguarded.

Key Highlights

Access to Information Act (ATIA):

  • Grants access to public body records, with limited exceptions
  • Allows individuals to access their own personal information
  • Provides an independent review process for decisions and complaints

Protection of Privacy Act (POPA):

  • Governs how public bodies handle personal information
  • Allows individuals to request corrections to their personal data
  • Permits use of non-personal and derived data under set conditions
  • Ensures strong privacy protections and oversight

Together, these Acts retain core FOIP principles while introducing clearer language, stronger accountability, and updated processes.

Making a Request

Under Alberta’s Access to Information Act (ATIA), individuals have the right to request records from public bodies like Wheatland County. To ensure your request is valid and can be processed, it must meet the following criteria:

  • Be in writing – Requests can be submitted by email, mail, dropped off in person, or through an online form
  • Be submitted to the appropriate public body – Requests must be directed to the organization believed to have the records
  • Include enough detail – Your request must clearly describe the records you are seeking so they can be located with reasonable effort
  • Include the applicable fee – A $25 initial fee applies to general (non-personal) information requests

If a request lacks the required information or fee, processing will not begin until it is complete. In some cases, oral requests may be accepted if there is a language barrier or physical limitation.

📄 Download the Access to Information Request Form

For more detailed information on requirements, timelines, and your rights, please refer to the attached fact sheet:
📄 Access to Information Request Requirements

To submit a request to Wheatland County, please contact:
atia@wheatlandcounty.ca

Or drop off/mail your request to:
242006 Range Road 243
Wheatland County, AB T1P 2C4

Key Differences: ATIA & FOIP

The Access to Information Act (ATIA) introduces several important updates and clarifications compared to the former Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). These changes aim to modernize Alberta’s approach to information access and improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Key differences include:

  • New definition of electronic records to include digital formats like audio, data, and graphics
  • Exclusion of political staff communications from the scope of the Act
  • Clarified definition of “day” now means business day only
  • Refined duty to assist applicants, especially when dealing with electronic records
  • Updated provisions for time extensions, including emergencies and mutual agreement
  • Clear guidance on proactive disclosure of records without a formal request
  • Restrictions on inter-public body requests for access to records
  • Clarifications on exempt records, such as court records, prosecution files, and federal legislation-covered content
  • Expanded provisions for Cabinet confidences and legal privilege
  • Broader interpretation of “advice to officials” now includes background and informational documents
  • New exemption for workplace investigation records where harm may result from disclosure
  • Procedural changes for the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC), including:
    • Ability to issue orders without investigation
    • Requirement to first resolve complaints directly with public bodies
    • Set timeline of 180 business days to complete inquiries

For full details, please refer to the Key Differences fact sheet.

Fees for Access to Information Requests

Under the Access to Information Act (ATIA), Wheatland County may charge fees to process access requests.

When Fees Apply

  • $25 for general access requests (non-personal information)
  • $50 for continuing requests (ongoing access over time)
  • No fee if you’re requesting your own personal information

Additional service fees may apply if processing costs exceed:

  • $150 for general requests
  • $10 for personal information requests

You’ll receive a fee estimate if additional costs apply. Processing pauses until you agree and pay 50% of the estimated fee.

Fee Waivers

You may request a fee waiver if:

  • You can’t afford the fee
  • It would be fair to waive it (e.g., related to health or legal rights)
  • The request is in the public interest (e.g., environmental or safety concerns)

📄 View the full Fee Fact Sheet

This Bulletin provides an overview of the fee structure, and explains when a fee estimate is required, what services a public body can charge for, how to prepare a fee estimate, the effect of the estimate on timelines, and processes for payment of deposits and fees.

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