Part XX of the Municipal Government Act is entitled “Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy.” This legislation applies to all municipalities and their agencies within Nova Scotia. It is very similar (but not identical) to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act which applies to the provincial government and their agencies. These laws are meant to ensure public bodies are fully accountable to the public.

Click here to view a copy of Part XX of the Municipal Government Act

Who can make a request for information?

Any person can submit a request for records – this includes a private citizen, a legal representative, a society or a company.

What information can be requested?

There is a right of access to most recorded or stored information held by the public body.

The County of Annapolis provides many records without a formal application process - click here to view the Routine Access Policy

Everyone has the right to request access to and correction of their own personal information – for example name, address, telephone number, age, sex, education, marital status, health care history and financial history.

How do I request information?

• Submit a request - Click here to access a copy of the FOIPOP Application Form
• Send a cheque for $5 payable to the County – make sure to include a copy of the application form with you request and indicate on the cheque that it is a FOIPOP application fee
• The application form may be submitted in person or electronically but your request cannot be processed until the fee is received.

Public bodies must respond to access to information requests within 30 days unless a time extension is permitted. It can take longer to receive access to the records requested. A charge of $30 per hour for searching and processing records (the first 2 hours for locating and retrieving records are free), as well as copying and shipping costs may be required. An estimate must first be provided. You can then decide if you will pay the fee, change your request to reduce the fee, or request a fee waiver.

Click here to view a copy of A Citizen’s Guide to Information Access and Privacy Rights in Nova Scotia