Access to Documents and Protection of Personal Information
The Ministry applies the Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information (also referred to as « Act Respecting Access ») that confirms two basic rights: right to information and right to privacy.
Are you Looking for a Document?
The Ministry systematically makes public various documents. You are invited to consult our publications list (see French version).
If your request deals with a document produced by a self-governing body (see French version) under the Minister's jurisdiction or the Sûreté du Québec, contact this organization directly.
How to Request Access to Documents
You are not finding the document you need? You can request your access to a document by phone or by mail. In order to facilitate your written request, use the suggested sample letter to request access to a document (12.9 KB).
Your request must be precise enough to track down the document. The person in charge of access to documents can help you to submit your request and to track down the requested document.
According to the size or the type of document, reproduction costs may be charged pursuant to the Regulation respecting fees for the transcription, reproduction or transmission of documents or personal information. The documents can be consulted at no charge at our Québec city or Montréal offices after agreement with the person in charge of the Access Act.
The Ministry may, for reasons outlined in the Act Respecting Access, refuse complete or partial access to certain documents.
For more information, consult the Web site of the Commission d’accès à l’information du Québec.
How to Have Access to Your Private Information
You must address your request by writing to us. In order to facilitate your written request, use the suggested sample letter to have access to your private information (11.0 KB). Your request can also concern the rectification of personal information.
Your private information cannot be given to third parties without your consent, except in certain cases permitted by the Act Respecting Access.
In cases permitted by the Act Respecting Access, the Ministry may refuse to confirm the existence of personal information about you and to communicate it to you.
Who Should you Contact?
A request to access a document must be addressed to the person in charge of Access to Documents and of Protection of Personal Information.
What is the Time Limit of a Request Processing?
The Ministry has up to 20 days from the day your request was received. However, this time limit may be extended of 10 days, if need be.
