What a year it has been!

First, a quick word to the many new FOI Assist Knowledge Base subscribers who joined us this month — welcome! If you’re new here, this post is a little different from the articles you’ll generally see on the Knowledge Base. At the end of each year, I like to pause and reflect on the year gone by, share a few thoughts on what’s ahead, and take the opportunity to say thank you to the community that makes this work so rewarding.

In 2025, the FOI Assist Knowledge Base continued to serve as a trusted source of practical guidance and insight for FOI professionals in Ontario and beyond. At the same time, the FOI Assist software continued to evolve in ways that matter — staying up to date and adding capabilities that help you handle your everyday FOI work more efficiently and reliably.

One of the highlights of the year — and truly a milestone for FOI Assist — has been the announcement of the FOI Assist Seminar Series. The response has been nothing short of incredible and registrations have been filling quickly.

Looking forward to 2026, you can expect more exciting developments:

• The first session of the seminar series in January, kicking off a strong line-up of six sessions throughout the year.
• Significant enhancements to the FOI Assist software, informed by user feedback and emerging needs in the FOI and privacy space.
• New Knowledge Base content designed to support you in your FOI practice.
• The release of a new complementary software solution designed to address a distinct and growing need among FOI and privacy professionals.

To all of you — subscribers, clients, colleagues, and friends — thank you for your engagement, your trust, and your ongoing commitment to excellence in freedom of information practice. I am genuinely inspired by the work you do, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

Happy Holidays

May this season bring you rest, joy, and time with those you cherish most.

And all the best to you and yours in the year ahead!

Justin Petrillo

London, Ontario

December 19, 2025