Recent Articles

  • FOI Assist Seminar Series: Significant Changes to Ontario’s FOI Legislation

    FOI Assist Seminar Series: Significant Changes to Ontario’s FOI Legislation

    The next FOI Assist seminar will provide an update on the recently proposed legislative changes to FIPPA and MFIPPA. Significant changes to the Freedom of Information process are expected to take effect on July 1, 2026, including: – Extending the number of days institutions have to respond to an FOI request – Changing the way…

  • Registration Link for Seminar #3

    Registration Link for Seminar #3

    This seminar, the third in the series, will provide an update on the recent proposed legislative changes to FIPPA and MFIPPA. Many were taken by surprise when these reforms were first announced earlier this month. The proposed changes have now been incorporated into the government’s budget bill and are moving quickly through the legislative process.

  • Seminar Recap: Frivolous and Vexatious Requests

    Seminar Recap: Frivolous and Vexatious Requests

    FOI Assist hosted the second installment of the FOI Assist Seminar Series (2026) today — and it was another excellent discussion. The topic was Frivolous and Vexatious Requests. The session brought together FOI professionals from across Ontario for a practical examination of one of the most sensitive and sometimes misunderstood provisions in Ontario’s freedom of…

  • Ford Government Announces Surprise Changes to Ontario’s FOI Legislation

    Ford Government Announces Surprise Changes to Ontario’s FOI Legislation

    In a press conference held Friday afternoon, the Government of Ontario announced proposed legislative updates that could significantly affect how Freedom of Information (FOI) requests are handled.

  • The PIA Exchange is a GO

    The PIA Exchange is a GO

    Three weeks ago, I posted an invitation for Ontario public sector institutions to participate in a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) Exchange — an initiative designed to help privacy professionals learn from one another by sharing real-world PIA examples. I’m happy to report that the PIA Exchange is officially moving ahead.

  • Call for Topics: FOI Assist Seminar Series

    Call for Topics: FOI Assist Seminar Series

    Most seminar topics for 2026 have already been planned, but a few of this year’s sessions have not yet had their topics finalized. With that in mind, I would be interested to hear from readers of the FOI Assist Knowledge Base: Is there an FOI topic you would like to see covered in a future…

  • FOI Assist Seminar Series: Frivolous and Vexatious Requests

    FOI Assist Seminar Series: Frivolous and Vexatious Requests

    This free live seminar will provide an overview of frivolous and vexatious FOI requests under FIPPA and MFIPPA, including: – The public’s “Right of Access” under FIPPA s.10(1) and MFIPPA s.4(1) – The statutory framework under FIPPA, MFIPPA and Reg. 460 / 823 – The meanings of “frivolous” and “vexatious” – The four ways a…

  • Registration Link for Seminar #2

    Registration Link for Seminar #2

    As an FOI Assist Knowledge Base subscriber, you are invited to register for the second seminar in the 2026 FOI Assist Seminar Series.

  • Interested in a Public Sector PIA Exchange?

    Interested in a Public Sector PIA Exchange?

    If your institution may be interested in participating in a Public Sector PIA Exchange, please let me know by email or through the FOI Assist Knowledge Base online contact form. Likewise, if you have suggestions, comments, or questions about the proposed initiative — or if you would simply like to be kept informed as it…

  • Seminar Recap: Third Party Information & The Affected Person Process

    Seminar Recap: Third Party Information & The Affected Person Process

    The inaugural seminar, “Third Party Information & The Affected Person Process,” was nearly at capacity and brought together FOI professionals from across Ontario and beyond for an in-depth, practical discussion of one of the most challenging areas of FOI practice. For those who were able to attend, thank you for joining us. For those who…

  • A Quick Phishing Test from Google

    A Quick Phishing Test from Google

    Most FOI and privacy professionals are aware of phishing risks. We routinely advise staff to be cautious and we respond when something goes wrong. In turn, staff look to us for guidance on what to watch for. Setting that example means being able to recognize the warning signs ourselves — especially as phishing attempts become…

  • As This Year Comes to a Close

    As This Year Comes to a Close

    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.