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Difference between revisions of "Privacy or Access to Information for Public Complaints (5:IV)"
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Privacy or Access to Information for Public Complaints (5:IV) (view source)
Revision as of 23:21, 29 November 2022
, 23:21, 29 November 2022→1. Introduction
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The ''Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act'', RSBC 1996, c 165 [''FIPPA''], is similar in some respects to the federal access and privacy legislation relating to '''public''' organizations. As a result of this provincial legislation, there is a consistent policy regarding access and privacy for BC government ministries and agencies. The ''Act'' is significant for two reasons: | The ''Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act'', RSBC 1996, c 165 [''FIPPA''], is similar in some respects to the federal access and privacy legislation relating to '''public''' organizations. As a result of this provincial legislation, there is a consistent policy regarding access and privacy for BC government ministries and agencies. The ''Act'' is significant for two reasons: | ||
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 | :(a) it has standardized decision-making criteria in regards to access and privacy; and | ||
:(b) has established a uniform appeal process. | |||
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 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))). | 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))). | ||