Access to Information Act (ATIA) and Protection of Privacy Act (POPA)

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 With its proclamation, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) has been formally repealed.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 ad strengthens the privacy provisions that were previously established under FOIP.

These Acts give individuals the right to access records held by the Town of Taber, 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.

 The 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. 

Submitting an ATI Request

If you would like to make a request for Access to Information, please submit a completed Access to Information Form to the Town of Taber's ATI Coordinator by emailing admin@taber.ca or via fax to 403-223-5530 or by mail at:

A-4900 50 St. 
Taber, AB T1G 1T1

Written & Oral Requests

You may also write a letter to the address listed above indicating that you are making the request under the ATIA. An ATI request must be made in writing by either formal letter or completed form (a completed form is the preferred method). However, an oral request will be accepted if you are unable to make a written request.

Possible Fees

While there is no charge to obtain your personal information, there may be charges for photocopying. If you are making a request for general information, fees may be charged.

Scope of the ATI Act

If you are not sure if your request falls under the ATI Act, please do not hesitate to contact the Town of Taber's Access to Information Coordinator at 403-223-5500 ext. 5515.

Concerns or Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about how your information is used by the Town of Taber, please contact the Town's ATI Coordinator at 403-223-5500 ext. 5515.

Additional Details

For more information regarding the Access to Information Act and Protection of Privacy Act, visit the Service Alberta website.