The FOI Assist Knowledge Base offers tips, guidance and resources for public sector institutions who respond to freedom of information (FOI) requests. New articles are posted at least monthly. You will find answers to common FOI questions, printable resources and the occasional news report or opinion piece on the topic of freedom of information in Canada and in the province of Ontario.
If you are looking for a specific article, see the complete list of articles, or use the search bar below.
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FOI Assist Seminar Series (2026)
FOI Assist will be hosting a new live online FOI training seminar series throughout 2026, focused on Ontario’s Freedom of Information legislative framework.
The seminar series will explore topics under FIPPA and MFIPPA, along with guidance from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, recent orders and decisions, and practical examples drawn from day-to-day FOI work in provincial and municipal institutions.
Each seminar is designed to provide practical tools and takeaways for FOI professionals, and participation will count toward the FOI Practitioner Certificate — FOI Assist Seminar Series (2026) awarded to subscribers who complete five or more seminars during the year.
There is no cost to attend the seminars. Registration is reserved for FOI Assist Knowledge Base subscribers (and subscribing to the Knowledge Base is free).
Read the full announcement and seminar details here.
FOI Software
The FOI Assist software helps Ontario’s provincial and municipal government institutions of all sizes track and respond to freedom of information requests quickly, easily, and in full compliance with applicable legislation and guidance.
The FOI Assist software is the only Freedom of Information software focused entirely on meeting the needs of Ontario’s provincial and municipal institutions. Designed by an Ontario lawyer with significant expertise in the field of Freedom of Information, the FOI Assist software is always kept up-to-date with the latest guidance and directives issued by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, the Ministry of Government Services and Archives Ontario, as well as the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), and their regulations.
The FOI Assist software is always improving: recent feature additions include multi-factor authentication, staff time tracking and email notifications for deadlines and other events.
Learn more about the FOI Assist software by reading Announcing the release of the FOI Assist software. Or book a demonstration today.
FOI Reference Materials
FOI Assist offers popular visual aides for FOI professionals in Ontario, including:
Contact FOI Assist to request a free printed flowchart, laminated reference card, or both.
FOI Community Support
FOI Assist and its founder Justin Petrillo frequently participate in FOI-related conferences and seminars through speaking engagements, sponsorships, and participating as an exhibitor.
If there’s specific topic you would like to see discussed, whether in an upcoming FOI Assist Knowledge Base article, or as the subject of a speaking engagement, just let me know.
Make Freedom of Information Easy
FOI Assist is here to Make Freedom of Information Easy™ for Ontario’s provincial, municipal and educational institutions of all sizes.
FOI Assist Knowledge Base 