A resolution passed at the regulators’ annual meeting in September is aimed at assisting capacity-constrained small public bodies to uphold access to information rights
Canada’s information regulators are calling on governments to better equip small public bodies to meet their access to information obligations, and for those bodies to build transparency into their work.
Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial information commissioners and ombuds responsible for overseeing access to information adopted a joint resolution, Enhancing Access to Information Held by Small Public Bodies, at their annual meeting in Ottawa on September 15, 2026.
The resolution underscores the vital role of small public bodies in upholding democratic accountability across Canada. Small public bodies – including some municipalities, schools, police boards and many more – oversee matters that must be subject to public scrutiny, including zoning decisions, environmental assessments, public safety initiatives, and bylaw enforcement. However, they often operate without the staff, funding, expertise, and technology they need to meet their access to information obligations, leading to delays, inconsistent practices, and other barriers for people requesting information.
The regulators noted that individuals’ right to access public records should not be limited by the size and capacity constraints of the public body.
The resolution calls on government to provide small public bodies with the resources, training and digital tools they need to satisfy access requests; promote modern records management and provide practical support to facilitate networking and shared-service models; as well as to ensure fees do not create barriers to timely access.
Small public bodies are also called on to design their programs to be transparent by default and expand their proactive disclosure of records; establish sound records management and invest in staff training; collaborate and share resources with other public bodies; and provide meaningful assistance to applicants throughout the request process.
“The work done by a multitude of small public bodies has significant effects on the lives of Albertans on a daily basis,” said Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, Diane McLeod. “I recognize the challenges these public bodies face in meeting their access to information program needs. However, Albertans must still be able to meaningfully exercise their right of access even when interacting with smaller public bodies in our province’s smaller communities. The solutions are multi-faceted but from the perspective of these public bodies, I believe part of the answer is for public bodies to think outside the box to improve their services. For example, this may mean working together to share best practices, to discuss how to better manage complex applicants, and even to share resources, where possible, in order to improve service delivery. My office can assist in providing guidance for public bodies wanting to take such an approach and I invite small public bodies to engage with us on ways to meet these challenges.”
The regulators have committed to supporting small public bodies through guidance, education and outreach; encouraging collaboration; identifying emerging challenges; and advocating for the legislative, policy and operational measures needed to keep access to information “meaningful, effective and accessible for all Canadians.”
Through the OIPC, the Information and Privacy Commissioner performs the responsibilities set out in Alberta’s access to information and privacy laws, the Access to Information Act, the Protection of Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act during the transition period, the Health Information Act, and the Personal Information Protection Act. The Commissioner operates independently of government.
Related documents:
Joint resolution: Enhancing Access to Information Held by Small Public Bodies
For more information:
Elaine Schiman
Communications Manager
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
communications@oipc.ab.ca
Mobile: (587) 983-8766