Employees of the government of Canada are required to take an oath of secrecy which stipulates that they will not disclose knowledge of the government of Canada "without due authority." However, the Access to Information Act (established in 1983) not only gives public servants that authority to disclose records, it in fact requires public servants to assist citizens. Section 4.(2.1) of the Act trumps oath of secrecy.
| Oath of Public Sevants in Canada |
Access to Information Act |
| "I swear that I will faithfully and honestly fulfil the duties that devolve on me by reason of my employment in the public service of Canada and that I will not, without due authority, disclose or make known any matter that comes to my knowledge by reason of such employment, so help me God or (name of deity). |
Responsibility of government institutions
4.(2.1) The head of a government institution shall, without regard to the identity of a person making a request for access to a record under the control of the institution, make every reasonable effort to assist the person in connection with the request, respond to the request accurately and completely and, subject to the regulations, provide timely access to the record in the format requested.
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| Source (copy of oath) |
Source (Access to Info Act) |
