Introducing the FOI Assist Seminar Series (2026)

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FOI Assist is pleased to announce the launch of the FOI Assist Seminar Series (2026) — a free, practical Freedom of Information training program designed specifically for Ontario’s provincial and municipal institutions.

This new seminar series is available exclusively to FOI Assist Knowledge Base subscribers. Current Knowledge Base subscribers have already received their registration link for Seminar #1 by email and can also access the registration link here.

If you are not yet a subscriber, it’s not too late. New subscribers will automatically receive the registration link by email after subscribing to the FOI Assist Knowledge Base.

Subscribing to the Knowledge Base is free and provides access to the full FOI Assist Knowledge Base, the entire seminar series, and ongoing FOI updates — including practical know-how articles, announcements, and future seminar registration links delivered directly to your inbox.

To subscribe to the FOI Assist Knowledge Base, enter your email below and click Subscribe.

What to Expect in 2026

Throughout 2026, FOI Assist will host a series of live, online seminars exploring Ontario’s Freedom of Information legislative framework — including FIPPA, MFIPPA, IPCO guidance, and practical examples drawn from real-world FOI scenarios.

Each seminar will focus on practical tools and best practices to help FOI professionals improve their workflows and strengthen legislative compliance.

Participants will earn credit toward the FOI Practitioner Certificate — FOI Assist Seminar Series (2026), awarded to Knowledge Base subscribers who complete five or more seminars during the 2026 calendar year.

Seminar #1: Third Party Information & The Affected Person Process

Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern (Toronto)
Duration: 60 minutes
Format: Live online seminar (Zoom)

This first seminar in the series will provide a practical overview of the third-party information exemption under FIPPA s.17 / MFIPPA s.10, including:

• When the exemption applies
• The three-part test
• When third-party notices are required
• Best practices for notifying affected persons
• How to assess and document representations
• Common issues that lead to appeals
• Practical examples and guidance

Participants will also receive:

• A short post-session quiz
• An individualized Certificate of Completion for those who attend and pass
• Credit toward the FOI Practitioner Certificate (2026)

How to Register

Registration is reserved for FOI Assist Knowledge Base subscribers.

• Current subscribers: Your registration link has already been emailed to you.
• New subscribers: You will automatically receive the registration link for Seminar #1 when you subscribe.

To subscribe to the FOI Assist Knowledge Base, enter your email in subscribe box and click Subscribe.

Please feel free to share this announcement with colleagues who may benefit from FOI training or who may wish to pursue the FOI Practitioner Certificate (2026).

I look forward to seeing you!

— Justin Petrillo
Principal & Founder, FOI Assist