How do I get a document from a government department, a city or a public body?

In detail

Section 42 requires the request to be “sufficiently precise to allow the document to be found”, and requires the person in charge to help identify the document likely to contain the information sought where the request is not precise enough. Section 43 states that a request may be written or verbal, and that a written request may be made in a technological format.

For your own information, section 83 provides that every person has the right to be informed of the existence, in a file of personal information, of personal information concerning them, and to receive communication of any personal information concerning them.

Section 135 allows a person whose written request has been refused in whole or in part to ask the Commission d'accès à l'information (Quebec's access-to-information and privacy commission) to review that decision. They may also seek a review of a decision about the processing time, the manner of access or the fees charged.

What to document

The exact wording of your request, the date it was sent, the date the body received it, the date the twenty days expire, and the answer. Describe the document you are looking for precisely: a vague request delays everything.

Official sources

• Act respecting access to documents held by public bodies and the protection of personal information, ss. 42, 43, 47, 83 and 135 (Légis Québec)

Related questions

• What happens if the other party lies under oath?
• How should I dress and behave in court?
• Can my text messages be used as evidence in court?
• Is a screenshot accepted as evidence?
• Can I record a conversation without telling the other person?

See all the answers · the full guide collection · Lire en français