Status: The Access to Information Act received royal assent on December 5, 2024 and will come into force in Spring 2025.
Ministry responsible: Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
Overview
Albertans increasingly rely on technology and digital platforms in their everyday lives, whether they are shopping online, opening a bank account, or applying for a job.
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act did not account for these digital realities or for the sheer volume and complexity of records that are now created and managed by public bodies to provide services to Albertans.
To keep up, Alberta updated its FOIP Act, dividing it into 2 Acts:
The Access to Information Act, 2024, which is not yet in force, recognizes electronic records, allows public bodies to extend timelines during times of emergencies, clarifies definitions and processes and further empowers public bodies to proactively disclose information.
Key changes
The Access to Information Act:
- clarifies and enhances regulatory functions, including those of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC)
- allows for extensions during times of emergencies so public bodies can focus on the immediate crisis
- further empowers public bodies to proactively disclose information outside the access to information process – making it easier for Albertans to access more information
- clarifies the kind of documents that can be withheld from mandatory disclosures
- mandates a review of the Act every 6 years
- sets out clear timelines for OIPC to complete reviews and respond to access requests
For more information:
Next steps
Stakeholder engagements and consultations with public bodies were held in January and February 2025 to receive feedback on the Act.
Minor updates were made to the Act on March 20, 2025, based on the feedback received from stakeholders.
The Access to Information Act and associated regulations will come into force in Spring 2025.