How to File a Request

File a request

A request for information pursuant to the Access to Information Act must be submitted in writing clearly explaining what records are requested. The Access to Information Request Form may be used or a straightforward letter accompanied by the prescribed application fee of $5.00 (cheque or money order made payable to the Receiver General of Canada).

A request for personal information pursuant to the Privacy Act must be submitted in writing with the Personal Information Request Form. There is no fee to request your personal information.

Requests are to be sent to the following address:

Copyright Board of Canada
Att: Secretary General
800-56 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0C9

Both Acts allow for a legal response time of 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of an official request. The Acts also allow for legal extensions to the first 30 calendar-day response time. You will be notified should an extension of the response time be required under either Act.

Principles for assisting requesters

In processing requests made under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act, the staff of the Copyright Board will:

  1. Process all requests without regard to the identity of the requester.
  2. Offer reasonable assistance throughout the request process.
  3. Provide information on the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, including information on the processing of requests and the requester's right to complain to the Information Commissioner of Canada or the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
  4. Inform requesters as appropriate and without undue delay when the request needs to be clarified.
  5. Make every reasonable effort to locate and retrieve the requested records under the control of the Copyright Board.
  6. Apply limited and specific exemptions to the requested records.
  7. Provide accurate and complete responses.
  8. Provide timely access to the requested information.
  9. Provide records in the format and official language requested, as appropriate.
  10. Provide an appropriate location within the Copyright Board's office for requesters who choose to examine the requested records.