How to make a request for information

The New Brunswick Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RTIPPA) allows anyone to request records from a public body in the province of New Brunswick. You can make a formal right to information request to a public body at any time. You can also contact a public body or check their website to see if their information is publicly available.

Anyone can ask for records from a public body. You can also ask a public body for any records they have about you.

You can make a formal right to information request to a public body under RTIPPA at any time.

Before making a format right to information request you may want to check to see if the information you’re looking for is already publicly available or accessible. Contacting a public body directly or visiting their website may help you find the records you want faster. You can also check to see if the information you’re looking for is available on the Open Data New Brunswick website.

You can request from a public body:

• Records about the public business of the public body.
• Records that contain your own personal information.
• Personal information for someone else if you have authority to receive that information. For example, for your child, an adult in your care, or someone who has given consent for their information to be released to you.

Although you can request any information from a public body, it does not mean you will always receive it. Some exceptions may apply.

A right to information request must include:

• Your name, mailing address, email, and phone number.
• If you’re representing a business organization, include the business name.
• The date you are making the request.
• Specify the records you’re looking for. If you’re not certain of the exact record you’re looking for, provide details about the timeframe, location, and event. This will help someone at the public body identify the appropriate records.
• That you are asking for access to a record under RTIPPA.
• Whether you want to look at a record in person or get a copy.
• Whether you can receive the records electronically.

Submit your right to information request in writing to the public body that has the records or information you’re looking for. You can find where to submit your written request in the list of public body contacts.

There are two ways to submit your request:

• Send a written request by email, fax, or mail to the public body. You can also use the Request for Information Form to help prepare your written request.
• Check with the public body directly to find out how to submit a request to them. Some public bodies may have an online application. They will tell you how to make a request.

You can make your request verbally if you can’t read or write English or French, or if you have an impairment that makes it hard to submit your request in writing.

After you make a request for information the public body will:

• Review your request and send you an acknowledgement that it was received.
• Contact you to clarify your request, if necessary.
• Conduct a reasonable search for records.
• Consult with other public bodies, if necessary.
• Transfer the request to another public body, if necessary.
• Notify third parties and obtain their representations, if required.
• Review any responsive records and decide whether they contain information that can’t be released.
• Obtain approval through an internal process before sending you a response.
• Send you a final response letter.

A response will be provided to you within 30 business days, unless the public body needs more time to respond to your request. If the public body requires additional time to provide you with a response, you will be notified.