Access to Information

On June 11, 2025, the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and its accompanying regulations were officially proclaimed, marking a significant update to Alberta’s information and privacy legislation. With this proclamation, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) has been formally repealed. In its place, the new Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) modernizes and strengthens the privacy provisions that were previously established under FOIP.

These Acts give individuals the right to access records held by Smoky Lake County, while balancing the need to protect privacy and sensitive information. 

Principles of the ATIA:

1. Any person has a right of access to the records in the custody or under the control of a public body subject to specific and limited exceptions. 
2. Allows individuals a right to access personal information about themselves, subject to specific and limited exceptions. 
3. Provides for independent reviews of decisions made by public bodies and resolution of complaints under the ATIA.

Purpose of POPA is to:

1. Provide guidance to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by public bodies. 
2. Allow individuals the right to request corrections to their personal information held by a public body. 
3. Enable public bodies to data match and allow the creation, use, and disclosure of non-personal data and data derived from personal information. 
4. Require public bodies to protect personal information including when data matching, and creating, using, and disclosure of data derived from personal information and non-personal data. 
5. Allow for independent review of decisions made and resolution of complaints made against public bodies. 

The ATIA and POPA incorporate both existing provisions that were in the FOIP Act, as well as new or revised provisions that focus on increased clarity, regulatory accountability, and administrative updates. 

For more information visit the Alberta Government websites Access to Information Act (ATIA) or About the Protection of Privacy Act

How to Submit an Access to Information Request

If you would like information that is not routinely available, you may submit a request by: 

1. Completing the Request to Access Information form 
2. Paying the $25 filing fee for general requests. The fee must be paid prior to your access request being processed. Note there is no filing fee for personal information requests, but you will be required to confirm your identity.
3. Email your request to ezukiwski@smokylakecounty.ab.ca, or mail to Smoky Lake County, PO Box 310, Smoky Lake, AB, T0A 3C0, or drop off your request at 4612 McDougall Drive, Smoky Lake, AB
4. Processing time for access requests vary by nature of the request. Additional fees may apply for access requests.