Access to Information Act (ATIA)

Access to Information

The Government of Alberta has changed its access to information legislation. The Access to Information Act (ATIA) came into force on June 11, 2025, and replaces part of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). ATIA governs how the public accesses records held by public bodies in Alberta, aiming to strike a balance between the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy, with regard to records held by Saddle Hills County. 

Summary of the Access to Information Act (ATIA) in relation to Saddle Hills County

• You have the right to request access to Saddle Hills County information.
• You have the right to access your personal information held by Saddle Hills County.
• You have the right to request that Saddle Hills County correct your personal information.

Protection of Privacy

The Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) governs how public bodies, such as Saddle Hills County, may collect, use or disclose personal information, and requires the protection of personal information held by public bodies. 

Summary of the Protection to Privacy Act (POPA) in relation to Saddle Hills County

• Saddle Hills County must tell you why it is collecting your personal information.
• Saddle Hills County must only collect, use, and disclose your personal information for the purposes stated in the POP Act.
• You have the right to complain about any issue related to POP, including an access request you have made or a privacy breach. Complainants may be directed to request independent review of any issue related to ATI or POP by the provincial Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. 
• All fees and response times follow the Protection of Privacy Act and Regulations. 

Requests for General Information

• To request general information about Saddle Hills County or Council, please complete the Access to Information Request Form.
• Describe what you are looking for in detail. If you need more room than is provided on the form, you may provide a separate page for the details.
• Include a $25 (no GST) initial payment. The County office is able to accept credit card payments over the phone or payments in office. Processing begins after this initial fee is paid.
• Send the form via email to admin@saddlehills.ab.ca or mail/deliver the form to the Saddle Hills County Office addressed to the Access to Information (ATI) Coordinator.
• Once the request has been reviewed you will be advised of any additional fees. If the total fee for completing your request is estimated to be greater than $150, you will be asked to pay a 50% deposit. Processing of the request will be suspended until the deposit is received.
• Saddle Hills County has 30 business days to respond to initial ATI requests. The ATI Act and/or the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) may permit additional time, if required.
• When the request is complete, you will be notified of the actual cost and will be required to pay any balance due before the records are provided to you.
• If you are not satisfied with the County's response to your request, you may contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC). The OIPC provides independent reviews of decisions made by a public body (the County) and resolves complaints made under the ATI Act.

Requests for Personal Information

• To request personal information about you that is held by Saddle Hills County, please complete the Access to Information Request Form.
• Describe the information about yourself that you wish disclosed, including dates, names, aliases, file numbers, and any other relevant details.
• No payment is required for personal information, although copying costs may be charged.
• Send the form via email to admin@saddlehills.ab.ca or mail/deliver the form to the Saddle Hills County Office addressed to the Access to Information (ATI) Coordinator.
• Saddle Hills County has 30 business days to respond to initial ATI requests. The ATI Act, POP Act, and/or the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) may permit additional time, if required.
• You will be required to provide proof of identity before records containing your personal information can be released to you.
• If you are not satisfied with the County's response to your request, you may contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC). The OIPC provides independent reviews of decisions made by a public body (the County) and resolves complaints made under the ATI and POP Acts.

Government of Alberta PIPA Help Desk

The Government of Alberta’s PIPA (Personal Information Protection Act) Help Desk provides general guidance with regards to the Access to Information Act (ATIA), Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) or the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

The PIPA Help Desk does not provide any of the following services:

• Legal advice or interpretation of the ATIA, POPA or PIPA, including providing advice on any actions that individuals or businesses should take regarding access and privacy concerns. Consult your legal council for advice or interpretation.
• General guidance, advice, or interpretation of the Health Information Act.
• Status updates for any existing ATI or PIPA requests. Follow-up directly with the public body or private sector organization where you submitted your request.
• Investigations into privacy breaches. Refer to file a complaint or report a privacy breach for more information.
• Acceptance or processing of ATI or PIPA access to information requests.

For Information and resources to answer many access and privacy questions in Alberta, please visit the ATIA website, the POPA website, the PIPA website, or the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s website.

Connect with the PIPA Help Desk for any further inquiries.

Publicly Available Information

Lots of publicly available information is available on our website. You can view Council Meetings, Agendas, and Minutes, Policies and Bylaws, Budgets and Finances, Boards and Committee information, and much more.

If you have any questions about anything listed on our website or would like further information, please Contact Us and a member of staff will be more than happy to assist you.