Why some records are restricted
Government records in our archival collection are covered by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Records may also be covered by other legislation such as the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
The purpose of FIPPA is to provide a right of access to government records while also protecting the privacy of individuals whose personal information may be contained within the records.
Many of the government records within the Archives’ collection must be reviewed by an Information and Privacy analyst before the records can be disclosed.
When to make a Freedom of Information request
Every record description in Collection Search has a Restriction on Access field. You will need to submit a Freedom of Information request if the record description says:
“Access to these records is governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Requests for access to these records must be submitted in writing to the Freedom of Information Office of the Archives of Ontario.”
Information to include in your request
Provide as much information as you can in your Freedom of Information request, including:
- record title
- reference code (RG xx-xxxx)
- container number
- date range for the records you’re interested in
- the subject of your search
Not all records are described down to the file level. If the records you are requesting are listed only at the series or sub-series level, provide as much detail about your request as possible so our Information and Privacy analysts can review information that matters to you.
Contact us if you need assistance.
Submit a request
You can submit a request:
- online form (select “Archives of Ontario”)
- by mail (see hours and location for our mailing address)
There is a $5.00 processing fee for each Freedom of Information request you submit. You can pay this online through the form or by including a cheque for $5.00 (CAD) made out to Minister of Finance in your mailed request.
If you are submitting your request by mail, remember to include your name, contact information and email address.
Submit archives FOI request onlineResponse times
We respond to FOI requests within 30 calendar days from the day we receive your complete request.
An Information and Privacy analyst may contact you during this period if more information is needed.