Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial information regulators are pressing governments to provide better resources and practical assistance to smaller public institutions so they can fulfil their legal responsibilities on access to information.
The call follows a joint resolution adopted by information commissioners and ombuds responsible for overseeing access to public records at their annual meeting in Ottawa on September 15, 2026. Titled *Enhancing Access to Information Held by Small Public Bodies*, the resolution focuses on removing capacity-related barriers that can prevent people from obtaining government-held information.
Small public bodies include municipalities, school authorities, police boards and other local institutions. Their decisions on issues such as land zoning, environmental reviews, public safety and bylaw enforcement can have a direct impact on communities and therefore require public scrutiny.
However, many of these organisations operate with limited budgets, staff, technical expertise and digital infrastructure. Regulators say these constraints can result in delayed responses, inconsistent procedures and difficulties for individuals seeking public records.
### Regulators seek funding, training and shared services
The resolution asks governments to equip smaller public institutions with adequate funding, training and digital tools to handle information requests. It also encourages modern records-management practices, practical cooperation between public bodies and shared-service arrangements to make better use of available resources.
The regulators have further stressed that fees should not become an obstacle to people seeking timely access to public information.
Small public bodies, meanwhile, are being encouraged to make transparency a standard part of their operations. Recommendations include publishing more records proactively, maintaining reliable information-management systems, training employees and working with other institutions to share knowledge and resources.
They are also expected to provide meaningful assistance to applicants throughout the process of requesting information.
### Alberta commissioner highlights local impact
Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod said the work of smaller public institutions affects residents across the province every day. She acknowledged that limited capacity can make it difficult for these organisations to maintain effective access-to-information services.
However, McLeod emphasised that residents in smaller communities should have the same meaningful right to access public records as those dealing with larger institutions.
She suggested that public bodies explore practical ways of improving service delivery, including exchanging best practices, discussing approaches to complex applicants and sharing resources wherever possible. Her office is also prepared to offer guidance to smaller institutions looking to develop collaborative solutions.
### Regulators commit to continued assistance
Under the joint resolution, information regulators have pledged to support smaller public bodies through education, guidance and outreach. They will also encourage cooperation, monitor emerging challenges and advocate for legislative, policy and operational changes to strengthen access rights.
The broader objective is to ensure that the ability to obtain public information remains meaningful and accessible, regardless of the size or resources of the institution holding the records.
In Alberta, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner operates independently of the provincial government. The Commissioner oversees responsibilities under the province’s access-to-information and privacy legislation, including the *Access to Information Act*, the *Protection of Privacy Act*, the *Health Information Act* and the *Personal Information Protection Act*, alongside the *Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act* during the transition period.
