Difference between revisions of "Privacy or Access to Information for Public Complaints (5:IV)"

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*it has established a uniform appeal process.  
*it has established a uniform appeal process.  


This ''Act'' is amended from time to time.  It is advisable to consult the ''Act'' for certainty.  Further information about the ''Act'' can be obtained from the following organization:
This ''Act'' is amended from time to time. On November 25th, 2021 significant changes to FIPPA were enacted through Bill 22-2021.  It is advisable to  to consult the Act for certainty.   
 
The most important recent change relates to the costs associated with Freedom of Information requests. While there are no fees for personal Freedom of Information requests, a non-refundable $10 fee is now required for all general Freedom of Information requests, for each public body included in the request. A request will not be processed unless and/or until the fee is paid.  There are no processing fees for the first three hours spent locating requested records or for the time taken to redact information from records.  However, processing fees for requests that require additional time will vary depending on the size and complexity of the FOI request (section 71(1)).  If there are costs associated with a request, the head of the public body must provide the applicant with a written estimate of the total cost before providing the associated services (section 75(4))(a))). 
 
An individual may apply to have the fees waived if they are unable to afford them or there is a valid reason for the payment to be excused, such as the information requested is a matter of public interest (section 75(5)).  However, the $10 application fee associated with all General FOI requests cannot be waived. 
 
Indigenous Governing Entities are exempt from associated fees to prevent barriers to accessing information.
 
Additional information regarding costs related to FOI requests, can be found at the following link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/open-government/open-information/freedom-of-information/11936#:~:text=There%20are%20no%20application%20fees,body%20included%20in%20the%20request 
 
Further information about the ''Act'' can be obtained from the following organization:


[http://fipa.bc.ca/home/ Freedom of Information and Privacy Association]
[http://fipa.bc.ca/home/ Freedom of Information and Privacy Association]
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