Access to Information and Protection of Privacy
Alberta has modernized its access to information legislation. The Access to Information Act (ATIA) came into on force on June 11, 2025, and replaces part of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The ATIA allows access to records held by public bodies in Alberta and is the cornerstone of an open, accessible and accountable public body. It aims to strike a balance between the public’s right to know information and protecting confidential information required to ensure effective operations of government and public bodies.
Main Principles of the Access to Information Act (ATIA)
- Right to Request Access to records held by the Town, subject to limited and specific exceptions.
- Protection of Privacy, the Town has protection rules on the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.
- Right to Access your own personal information held by the Town.
- Right to the Correction of personal information.
- Independent Review of any issue or decisions related to the ATIA by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
The Town of Edson is committed to the principle of transparency and information is often made routinely available through our website, official publications, meeting agenda packages and reports. If by chance the information you seek is not already available through these means, it may be accessible through a verbal request. Before making a ATIA request, it may be helpful to contact the public body concerned for advice on the most appropriate method of obtaining access to the information you need. If other methods do not satisfy your needs, a formal request for access to information under the ATIA may be the best way to proceed.
However, under the ATIA, some information is not so easily released. If the information you seek is not routinely available, you may have to submit a formal request for access under the ATIA. Please feel free to contact our ATI Coordinator to help determine whether or not a formal ATI request is required.
ATI Coordinator Contact:
780-723-4401
foip@edson.ca
All ATIA Requests must be made as follows:
- In writing to the Town of Edson ATI Coordinator by completing the Access to Information Form and returning it to the Town Office at Box 6300, 605-50 Street, Edson AB T7E 1T7, or by email at foip@edson.ca.
- The request must provide sufficient detail to enable the Town of Edson to identify the record(s) you require. Please make your request as specific as possible so we are able to identify the record(s) you are seeking.
- Please include the required $25 initial application fee. There are a variety of payment options available, including:
- Cheque addressed to the Town of Edson
- Payment at the front counter at the Town Office by credit, debit or cash
- Electronic transfer addressed to receipts@edson.ca
- Online credit card payment
- More information on how to pay may be found here. If paying online, please include your name and the reason for the payment ("ATIA Request") in the available fields.
- Please note that additional fees may be required, depending on the type and size of your request.
For more information on fees and completing your ATIA request, please review the How to Complete the Form Guideline. You may also find the FOIP Frequently Asked Questions document produced by the Province to be helpful.
Upon receipt of your completed Access to Information Form and initial application fee, the ATI Coordinator will respond to your request within 30 business days to inform you whether the information can be released in whole or with redacted portions; cannot be released; or whether an extension is required to process large volumes of records and/or consult with third parties. If it is determined that the information cannot be released, you will be provided with an explanation. You will also be contacted with an estimate of costs of producing copies and additional processing, if applicable.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the FOIP Coordinator at 780-723-4401 or foip@edson.ca.