Recent Articles
-
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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.
-
Introducing the FOI Assist Seminar Series (2026)
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.
-
FOI Assist Seminar Series (2026): Registration Link for Seminar #1
As an FOI Assist Knowledge Base subscriber, you are invited to register for the first seminar in the 2026 FOI Assist Seminar Series.
-
New Ontario Privacy Impact Assessment Guideline
Today’s article summarizes the most important changes between the 2015 and 2025 versions of IPCO’s PIA guideline and explains how these changes may affect your institution’s privacy management practices.
-
Personal Liability for FOI Mistakes
Given that the Acts assign responsibility for responding to FOI requests personally to the heads of institutions and their delegates, individuals involved in processing requests may reasonably wonder whether their actions — intentional or not — could result in personal civil liability. In other words, could a head or employee be sued for failing to…
FOI Assist Knowledge Base 