About FOIPOP:
First, decide on the information you wish to apply for. Then determine which provincial or municipal body likely has the information you seek.
The FOIPOP Administrators List contains the names, telephone numbers and mailing addresses for public bodies who are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Part XX of the Municipal Government Act.
Provincial Records
A list of provincial government departments, boards and agencies can be found in the government directory.
Local Records
Local public bodies such as hospitals, universities and school boards covered
by the FOIPOP Act may have their own catalogues of records available at their offices.
Online contact information is available for district health authorities, school boards, and universities.
Municipal Records
Municipal bodies covered by the Municipal Act may also have their own catalogues of records
available at their offices. The online municipal directory is helpful to find contact information. Municipal police agencies are also
covered by this Act.
Forms
You can get a copy of the application form (Form 1) by downloading a copy from our forms page.
There is no charge for applications for your own personal information or correction of your personal information. However, there is a mandatory $5 application fee for access to general records. If the application is for access to general records, you may also be charged for:
- the cost of staff time to locate and retrieve information; >
- the cost of staff time to prepare the records; and
- photocopying, mailing, and if applicable, fax charges.
If a public body intends to charge a fee for records it must provide a fee estimate. Under the regulations to the Acts, a public body is entitled to charge $15.00 per staff time and $0.20 for each photocopy. It also has the authority to waive a fee. You have the right to request a review by the Review Officer of a fee estimate by a public body.
A public body must respond to your request within 30 days. However, the response time may be extended for one of three reasons:
- your request is not detailed enough to clearly identify the information you requested;
- a large number of records is requested or must be searched and more time is needed to gather the documents; and
- the department or agency must consult with a third party or another public body before it can decide whether to release the information.
If the response time is extended, the public body must tell you and explain why. It also must tell you when you can expect its full response. You have a right to request a review by the Review Office of the extension.
Typically, you will receive one of the following three responses to a request for access to information.
- Your application has been granted in full. In this case, the public body has decided to release the information requested and you will receive a package containing the requested records.
- Your application has been granted in part. In this case, the public body has decided to release part of the information requested and you will receive a package containing the records you requested, but with particular sections removed.
- Your application has been denied. In this case, the public body has decided not to release any of the information requested.
In all three instances, you will receive a letter from the public body outlining its decision. If a public body refuses to release all or parts of records to you, it must tell you why. It must also tell you that you have the right to request a review of its decision by the Review Officer. You must request this review within 60 days of receiving the decision.
Also, if a public body does not have the records you requested, it will tell you and may 'transfer' or refer your request to the public body that does. The public body that receives the transferred request will then be responsible for processing your application.
If after 30 days you receive no response to a request for access to information, it is considered that the public body has denied access. At that point, you may request in writing that the Review Officer conduct a review of the public body's refusal.
Restrictions to Information Available under the Act
Under section 2 of the FOIPOP Act, you have the right of access to government records subject to certain limited exceptions.
You may not get access to:
- Cabinet confidences;
- information subject to solicitor-client privilege;
- someone else's personal information;
- information that could significantly harm a third parties business interests;
- information that could harm law enforcement; and
- information that could harm the economic or financial interests of a public body, other individuals, or the public.
More information is available on accessing information and requesting a review in the frequently asked questions section of this site.