Recent Articles
-
Updated FOI Request Process Poster Now Available
I am very pleased to announce that I have now updated the poster and have ordered additional poster-sized printed copies after giving out all of the original printed copies to readers of the FOI Assist Knowledge Base.
-
New Podcast from the Ontario Privacy Commissioner
Patricia Kosseim, the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, has just launched a new podcast: “Info Matters”.
-
“Reasonable effort” to locate a record
Institutions should be aware of their obligation to undertake a “reasonable effort” to locate responsive records under s.24 of the Freedom Of Information And Protection Of Privacy Act and s.17 of the Municipal Freedom Of Information And Protection Of Privacy Act.
-
Video: Introduction to Records Management
I highly recommend this engaging, 7-minute Introduction to Records Management video created by Lina Fontana, Records Coordinator & Privacy Officer at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. This is a great introduction to records management for any organization, and especially for provincial and municipal institutions here in Ontario.
-
Announcing the release of the FOI Assist software
I am very pleased to announce the FOI Assist software is now available for purchase on an annual subscription basis.
-
Are Your Written Notices Defective?
Issuing compliant written notices can be deceptively complicated, given the multiple sources of rules and guidance that come into play. Unfortunately, as seen above, issuing a notice which fails to meet the requirements can lead to an adverse decision against the institution in an appeal before IPCO.
-
The Year Gone By, and the Year Ahead
What a year! With the holidays just around the corner, I wanted to send everyone my best wishes and give you all an update on how things are progressing here at FOI Assist. Obviously this has been an unusual year for everyone, and a difficult year for many. I was fortunate to be working from…
-
“List Of Farms” FOI Requestor Identity Revealed
The identity of the person who requested a list of all Ontario farms from OMAFRA, and why the request was made.
-
How To Keep Your FOI Files Organized
For readers who may be caught in the trap of constantly improvising new processes for keeping things in good order, and who may be somewhat anxious about the state of their FOI files — for those of you in this crowd, I think you will find this article invaluable.
-
Federal Health Minister Criticized For Deriding Freedom of Information
Since March, federal government offices have been reopening, but the government’s ability to respond to FOI requests has apparently not kept apace.
-
Are Correction Requests Subject To The 30-Day Deadline?
Provincial and municipal institutions in Ontario are permitted 30 days to respond to access requests. But does the same deadline apply to correction requests?
-
The “Advice or Recommendations” Exemption (FIPPA s.13 / MFIPPA s.7)
An overview of the “Advice to Government” / “Advice or Recommendations” exemption under FIPPA / MFIPPA.
FOI Assist Knowledge Base 