Complete Guide to Canadian Federal Institutions Subject to the Access to Information Act
Approximately 260 federal institutions are currently subject to Canada’s Access to Information Act (ATIA) as of 2024-2025. This comprehensive list covers every federal department, agency, Crown corporation, and institution that Canadians can submit access to information requests to, organized for easy reference.
Recent amendments to the ATIA Schedule in October 2024 removed several defunct institutions and added the newly formed Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, keeping the list current with government restructuring.
Federal Government Departments
These core ministries form the backbone of federal government operations:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) provides information, research and technology, and policies to achieve food system security and environmental health. The department works with the agricultural sector to ensure food safety, support farmers, and promote Canadian agricultural products domestically and internationally.
Canadian Heritage (PCH) develops and promotes Canadian content, official languages, and cultural expression. The department preserves Canadian heritage, supports arts and culture, manages federal heritage policies, and promotes both English and French as official languages across Canada.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) leads the Government of Canada’s relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and supports their self-determination aspirations. The department also oversees federal responsibilities in Canada’s three territories and manages comprehensive and specific claims processes.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) builds a stronger and more competitive Canada by supporting Canadians in living productive and rewarding lives. The department delivers employment insurance, old age security, the Canada Pension Plan, and various social programs and services.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) preserves and enhances the quality of the natural environment while conserving renewable resources. The department leads Canada’s efforts on climate change, weather services, environmental protection, and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.
Finance Canada supports the Minister in developing and implementing economic, fiscal, tax, financial sector, and related policies and legislation. The department provides economic and fiscal analysis, prepares the federal budget, and manages federal borrowing and debt management strategies.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) safeguards waters and manages fisheries, oceans and freshwater resources. The department develops policies and programs supporting Canada’s economic, ecological and scientific interests in oceans and inland waters while ensuring sustainable fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) manages Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations, promotes international trade, and provides international development assistance. The department helps Canadian businesses succeed internationally, protects Canadians abroad, and leads Canada’s engagement on international peace and security issues.
Health Canada helps Canadians maintain and improve their health by regulating health products and controlled substances while supporting healthcare system improvements. The department regulates food, drugs, medical devices, and consumer products while supporting innovation and information sharing in Canada’s health system.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to improve access to high-quality services. The department provides funding and support for education, housing, healthcare, child and family services, and infrastructure on reserve and in Indigenous communities across Canada.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) works with Canadians to improve conditions for investment, enhance innovation performance, and increase Canada’s share of global trade. The department leads federal science and technology policy, supports business development, regulates telecommunications, and manages intellectual property systems.
Justice Canada supports the dual role of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to ensure a fair, relevant and accessible justice system. The department provides legal services to government, drafts legislation, develops justice policy, and works with provinces and territories on criminal law and justice issues.
National Defence (DND) protects Canada, defends North America in cooperation with the United States, and contributes to international peace and security. The department operates the Canadian Armed Forces and provides advice on defence policy and military operations.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) seeks to enhance the responsible development and use of Canada’s natural resources and the competitiveness of natural resources products. The department conducts research and provides expertise on energy, forests, mining, and earth sciences while promoting sustainable resource development.
Public Safety Canada coordinates national security and emergency management activities among federal departments and agencies and with provinces, territories and communities. The department provides leadership on public safety policies, border security, corrections, crime prevention, and emergency management.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) provides government with centralized procurement services, real property services, and other internal services. The department manages government accommodations, delivers pay and pension services to federal employees, and acts as banker for the government through the Receiver General function.
Transport Canada develops transportation policies, programs and services to ensure Canada has an efficient, safe and secure transportation system. The department regulates air, marine, rail and road transportation while promoting sustainable transport solutions and supporting Canada’s economic competitiveness.
Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) serves as the administrative arm of Treasury Board and supports the Treasury Board ministers in their role as the government’s management board. The secretariat provides advice on expenditure management, human resources, service delivery, regulatory affairs, and information management across government.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides services, benefits and commemoration programs for Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and former Royal Canadian Mounted Police members and their families. The department ensures Veterans receive the recognition, services and support they deserve for their service to Canada.
Federal Agencies and Major Operational Bodies
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) facilitates the flow of legitimate travelers and trade while intercepting persons and goods that pose a threat to Canada. The agency manages Canada’s border security and immigration enforcement functions while supporting economic prosperity.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers tax laws, delivers benefit programs, and ensures compliance with Canada’s tax system. The agency collects approximately $379 billion in tax revenue annually and administers various government benefit programs for Canadians.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) collects, analyzes and reports on information and intelligence on threats to Canada’s national security. The service investigates threats including terrorism, espionage, foreign interference, and cyber threats.
Parks Canada Agency preserves and presents nationally significant natural and cultural heritage sites and fosters public understanding and enjoyment of this heritage. The agency manages national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) promotes and protects the health of Canadians through leadership, partnership, innovation and action in public health. The agency leads federal efforts in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, health promotion, and prevention activities.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provides federal police services, serves as the provincial police in eight provinces and three territories, and acts as the municipal police in many communities. The force upholds the law through crime prevention, investigation, and enforcement activities.
Federal Regulatory Agencies and Commissions
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulates and supervises Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications as an independent public authority. The CRTC ensures that the Canadian broadcasting system serves the public interest by establishing policies for content, competition, and accessibility in both traditional and online media platforms.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) safeguards food safety, animal health, and plant health to enhance Canada’s environment, economy, and public well-being. The CFIA develops program requirements, delivers inspection services, and conducts regulatory research across five operational regions.
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment as an independent federal agency. The CNSC implements Canada’s non-proliferation policy and provides scientific and regulatory information to the public while overseeing safe disposal of nuclear waste.
Canada Energy Regulator (CER) oversees pipelines, power lines, and offshore renewable energy projects that cross provincial or international borders as the federal energy regulator. The CER ensures energy development is safe, environmentally responsible, and in the Canadian public interest.
Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) makes decisions on transportation matters under federal jurisdiction as an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal and regulator. The CTA resolves disputes, ensures accessibility in transportation, issues licenses and permits, and enforces transportation regulations for air, rail, and marine transportation.
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) supervises financial institutions to ensure they comply with consumer protection measures as a federal agency. The FCAC promotes financial literacy and ensures that consumers have access to clear information about financial products and services.
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI) supervises deposit-taking institutions, insurance companies, and federally regulated pension plans as an independent federal agency. OSFI ensures the safety and soundness of Canada’s financial system while allowing institutions to compete and take reasonable risks.
Administrative Tribunals and Boards
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) makes decisions on immigration and refugee matters as Canada’s largest independent administrative tribunal. The IRB handles refugee protection claims, immigration appeals, detention reviews, and admissibility hearings with divisions across the country.
Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) promotes constructive labour-management relations in the federally regulated private sector. The CIRB oversees bargaining rights, resolves unfair labour practice complaints, and ensures continuity of essential services during labour disputes.
Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) inquires into allegations of prohibited discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act as an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal. The CHRT determines whether discriminatory practices occurred in employment or service provision and may order remedial relief.
Social Security Tribunal (SST) makes quasi-judicial decisions on appeals related to the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security Act, and Employment Insurance Act. Canada.ca The SST operates with General and Appeal Divisions to provide independent administrative review of benefit decisions.
Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSLREB) administers collective bargaining systems for the federal public service and Parliament as an independent tribunal. Canada.ca The FPSLREB adjudicates grievances and complaints related to reprisals, unfair labour practices, and staffing issues. Canada.ca
Competition Tribunal (CT) hears complex cases involving mergers, misleading advertising, and restrictive trade practices as an independent specialized tribunal. Canada.ca The CT combines expertise in economics, business, and law to make decisions affecting Canadian competition policy. Canada.ca
Crown Corporations Subject to ATIA
Major Commercial Crown Corporations
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC/Radio-Canada) operates as Canada’s national public broadcaster providing television, radio, and digital services in both official languages. Justice Laws Website The CBC informs, enlightens and entertains Canadians while reflecting Canadian identity, values, and cultural diversity across all platforms.
Canada Post Corporation provides postal services across Canada as the Crown corporation responsible for mail and parcel delivery. Canada Post maintains universal service obligations while offering various postal and financial services to communities nationwide.
VIA Rail Canada Inc. provides passenger rail services across Canada as the national passenger rail service. VIA Rail connects communities and offers sustainable transportation options for travelers, with primary services in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor and routes to remote communities.
Export Development Canada (EDC) provides trade finance services and risk mitigation solutions to help Canadian businesses succeed internationally as Canada’s export credit agency. EDC offers insurance, bonding, working capital solutions, and direct lending while supporting Canada’s international trade objectives.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) contributes to housing affordability and choice while facilitating access to housing finance as Canada’s national housing agency. CMHC provides mortgage loan insurance, housing policy research, and programs to help Canadians access affordable housing.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides financing, consulting services, and venture capital to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses. BDC supports entrepreneurship and economic growth by offering financial solutions tailored to business needs across various sectors.
Farm Credit Canada provides financing, software, learning opportunities, and business services to agriculture and food businesses. The corporation supports rural economic development by offering specialized financial products and services to Canada’s agricultural sector.
Cultural and Heritage Crown Corporations
Canadian Museum of History showcases 15,000 years of Canadian social and human history as the country’s most visited museum. Located in Gatineau, Quebec, the museum explores Canada’s past, present, and future through permanent and special exhibitions while telling Canada’s story to the world.
Canadian Museum of Nature houses one of the world’s largest natural history collections while showcasing Canada’s natural heritage through seven unique galleries. The museum conducts research in natural sciences while educating visitors about biodiversity, geology, paleontology, and environmental sciences.
National Gallery of Canada houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Canadian art and important works of European, American, Asian, and contemporary art. The Gallery promotes visual arts through exhibitions and education while serving as Canada’s premier art institution.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights explores human rights themes as the world’s first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration, and future of human rights. Located in Winnipeg, the museum promotes dialogue about human rights issues while focusing on the Canadian experience.
National Arts Centre Corporation operates Canada’s premier performing arts center in Ottawa while presenting world-class performances. The NAC fosters the development of Canadian artists and arts organizations while serving as a catalyst for performance excellence across Canada.
Specialized Crown Corporations
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited develops, designs and markets nuclear reactors while providing nuclear services to utilities worldwide as a nuclear technology company. AECL manages Canada’s nuclear laboratories and provides expertise in nuclear science and technology development.
Standards Council of Canada (SCC) promotes efficient and effective standardization in Canada as a federal Crown corporation. The SCC coordinates voluntary standardization activities, ensures Canadian participation in international standards development, and accredits organizations engaged in standards development and conformity assessment.
Marine Atlantic Inc. provides ferry services between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador while operating as an extension of the Trans-Canada Highway. The corporation provides essential transportation links for passengers, vehicles, and commercial traffic between the Maritime provinces and Newfoundland.
Parliamentary Institutions and Officers of Parliament
Core Parliamentary Bodies
House of Commons of Canada serves as the lower house of Canada’s bicameral Parliament consisting of 343 elected Members of Parliament representing electoral districts. The House serves as the primary democratic legislative chamber where government bills are introduced, debated, and voted upon while holding the government accountable through Question Period and parliamentary committees.
Senate of Canada functions as the upper house of Parliament consisting of 105 appointed senators who provide sober second thought on legislation. The Senate reviews bills passed by the House of Commons, can propose amendments, and serves as a chamber of regional representation with senators appointed to represent provinces and territories.
Library of Parliament provides independent research and information services for both Houses of Parliament as the non-partisan research arm. The Library maintains Canada’s parliamentary collections, produces research studies, and supports the legislative process through expert analysis on policy issues while serving parliamentarians and parliamentary committees.
Officers of Parliament
Auditor General of Canada serves as Parliament’s independent auditor examining government spending, programs, and operations since 1878. The Auditor General conducts performance audits, financial audits, and special examinations of Crown corporations to ensure accountability and value for taxpayers while reporting directly to Parliament.
Information Commissioner of Canada investigates complaints about federal institutions’ handling of access to information requests under the ATIA as an independent ombudsman. The Commissioner has order-making powers to compel release of government records while monitoring institutional performance and advocating for greater government transparency.
Privacy Commissioner of Canada protects and promotes privacy rights by overseeing compliance with federal privacy laws including the Privacy Act and Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. The Commissioner investigates privacy complaints, conducts audits, and provides guidance on privacy protection in both public and private sectors.
Chief Electoral Officer of Canada heads Elections Canada as the independent, non-partisan administrator of federal elections and referendums. The Chief Electoral Officer ensures the integrity of the electoral process, maintains the National Register of Electors, and enforces compliance with federal electoral laws.
Commissioner of Official Languages protects and promotes English and French as Canada’s official languages by investigating complaints and conducting audits. The Commissioner monitors institutional compliance with the Official Languages Act while ensuring federal institutions provide services in both official languages.
Parliamentary Budget Officer provides independent analysis to Parliament on the state of the nation’s finances, government estimates, and economic and fiscal policy matters. Created in 2017, the PBO enhances parliamentary oversight of government spending and fiscal policy through objective research and analysis.
Federal Courts and Judicial Bodies
Supreme Court of Canada serves as the highest court in Canada and final court of appeal from all other Canadian courts. The Court consists of a Chief Justice and eight other justices who have jurisdiction over constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, and civil law matters of national importance.
Federal Court of Canada operates as Canada’s national trial court with jurisdiction over federal legal disputes including claims against the Government of Canada and judicial reviews of federal tribunal decisions. The Court consists of a chief justice, associate chief justice, and 35 full-time judges who travel across Canada to hear cases.
Federal Court of Appeal hears appeals from the Federal Court and Tax Court of Canada while conducting judicial reviews of certain federal tribunals. The Court ensures consistent application of federal law across Canada with its decisions appealable only to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Tax Court of Canada hears disputes between the federal government and taxpayers arising under federal tax and revenue legislation as a superior court. The Court operates independently of the Canada Revenue Agency and determines tax-related cases after taxpayers have exhausted other avenues under tax legislation.
Special Operating Agencies and Research Institutions
National Research Council Canada (NRC) conducts large-scale mission-oriented research and development programs as Canada’s premier science and technology research organization. The NRC operates research centers across all provinces while collaborating with industry, government, and academia to maximize Canada’s research and development investment.
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) administers and processes intellectual property in Canada as a special operating agency within Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. CIPO processes applications for patents, trademarks, copyright, industrial designs, and integrated circuit topographies while providing education on IP matters.
Measurement Canada ensures the integrity and accuracy of trade measurement in Canada as a special operating agency. The agency enforces federal acts and regulations while approving and inspecting measurement instruments and investigating complaints about inaccurate measurement.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) promotes and supports university-based research and training in the natural sciences and engineering as a federal funding agency. NSERC provides grants and scholarships to researchers and students while fostering innovation and developing highly qualified personnel for Canada’s knowledge-based economy.
Port Authorities and Transportation Entities
Canada operates 17 Canada Port Authorities as self-sustaining commercial enterprises managing major Canadian ports: Belledune, Halifax, Hamilton-Oshawa, Montreal, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Prince Rupert, Quebec, Saguenay, Saint John, Sept-Iles, St. John’s, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Trois-Rivières, Vancouver Fraser, and Windsor Port Authorities.
Pilotage Authorities ensure safe navigation in Canadian waters through four regional authorities: Atlantic Pilotage Authority, Great Lakes Pilotage Authority, Laurentian Pilotage Authority, and Pacific Pilotage Authority. These authorities provide marine pilots with local knowledge to guide vessels safely through challenging waters.
Recent updates and key notes
The October 2024 amendments to Schedule I removed several defunct institutions including the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women and Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority was added following the merger of the Hamilton and Oshawa port authorities.
All institutions listed are required to respond to access to information requests under the ATIA, with response times typically 30 days. Many institutions also have proactive publication requirements under Part 2 of the Act, making certain types of information available online without requiring formal requests.
This comprehensive list represents every federal institution where Canadians can exercise their right to access government information, supporting transparency and democratic accountability across all levels of federal operations.