Tag: FIPPA

  • When is an FOI request frivolous or vexatious?

    When is an FOI request frivolous or vexatious?

    Besides the exemptions and exceptions available under Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), both FIPPA and MFIPPA also allow institutions to deny requests “if the head is of the opinion on reasonable grounds that the request for access is…

  • Exemptions vs. Exclusions: What is the difference?

    Exemptions vs. Exclusions: What is the difference?

    Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and its Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) both provide members of the public with a general right of access to government information, subject to certain exclusions and exemptions.  But what is the difference between an “exemption” and an “exclusion”? In…

  • The 2018-2019 Annotated Ontario Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Acts by David Goodis

    The 2018-2019 Annotated Ontario Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Acts by David Goodis

    The Annotated Ontario Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Acts by David Goodis is the go-to guide to Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) as well as to Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).  The 2018-2019 edition just came out this week and my copy…

  • To whom can a head delegate his or her powers and duties?

    To whom can a head delegate his or her powers and duties?

    As discussed previously, both the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FIPPA”) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“MFIPPA”) impose responsibility for an institution’s FOI program directly on the individual who is the “head” of such institution.  However, in practice, at many institutions, the head is not closely…

  • Get your head straight – what is the role of your institution’s head?

    Get your head straight – what is the role of your institution’s head?

    Every institution to which Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) or its Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) applies has its own function.  I’ve set out a few examples below: Institution Function Legislative Assembly of Ontario To represent Ontarians and their constituencies; to debate and pass legislation;…

  • Say what? Clarifying and narrowing requests

    Say what? Clarifying and narrowing requests

    Today’s article is intended for institutions in Ontario responsible for responding to FOI requests under either the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) or the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Often, an institution will receive an FOI request that is incomplete or unclear.  It isn’t always easy to know…