Access to Information (ATI) refers to the legal right of Canadians to request and obtain records held by federal government institutions. The Access to Information Act (1983) allows citizens, journalists, and researchers to request documents, emails, reports, and other records—helping hold government accountable and promoting transparency. Similar laws exist at the provincial level (often called Freedom of Information or FOI). Some information is exempt from release, such as cabinet confidences, national security matters, or personal information about other individuals. ATI requests typically cost $5 federally and must be answered within 30 days, though extensions are common.