Category: Uncategorized

  • An Introduction to Freedom of Information

    An Introduction to Freedom of Information

    Up to this point I’ve written many articles on the “finer points” of responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.  But today I would like to present an article addressed to all of those people who are just starting out as an FOI professional – who might appreciate

  • FOI In The News: Government rejects Senate changes to ATIA; “culture of secrecy” and more

    FOI In The News: Government rejects Senate changes to ATIA; “culture of secrecy” and more

    The Senate proposed giving the Federal Privacy Commissioner the ability to have access decisions certified by the Federal Court of Canada (thereby becoming legally enforceable) if the government ignores the initial decision or refuses to comply.  The Senate also proposed banning the use of “code words” to describe individuals or government entities as a means…

  • Highlights from the “Reaching Out to Ontario – Waterloo” event

    Highlights from the “Reaching Out to Ontario – Waterloo” event

    Highlights from the recent “Reaching Out to Ontario” event presented on Friday, May 31, 2019 by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPCO) at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. 

  • Reaching Out to Ontario – Waterloo

    Reaching Out to Ontario – Waterloo

    I’ll be attending the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario’s Reaching Out to Ontario event at Wilfrid Laurier University this Friday.

  • When is labour and employment information exempt from disclosure?

    When is labour and employment information exempt from disclosure?

    In Ontario, both the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) contain special provisions regarding labour and employment information which often have the effect of giving institutions the option (or in some cases, an obligation) to refuse to disclose such information…

  • FOI In The News (May 8, 2019)

    FOI In The News (May 8, 2019)

    Globe & Mail: Canada’s information czar says lack of stable funding ties her hands Jim Bronskill, May 1, 2019 Federal information commissioner Caroline Maynard warns that financial uncertainty is making it impossible for her office to set goals and maintain momentum.  The Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada handles complaints from Canadians who have…