What is covered by FOI Act?
When is information covered by the Freedom of Information Act? The Act covers all recorded information held by a public authority. It is not limited to official documents and it covers, for example, drafts, emails, notes, recordings of telephone conversations and CCTV recordings.
Does Ontario have a Privacy Act?
In Ontario, public organizations are governed by the following access and privacy laws: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)
What can be requested under Freedom of Information Act?
You can ask for any information you think a public authority may hold. The right only covers recorded information which includes information held on computers, in emails and in printed or handwritten documents as well as images, video and audio recordings.
Who is not covered by the Freedom of Information Act?
Information/data that is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) includes: Non-agency records and personal records. Public requests for access to physical artifacts or scientific samples (e.g. core samples, sediment, rocks, fossils, specimen samples, blood samples).
Who needs to comply with FOI?
Under the FOI Act, anyone has the right to request any recorded information held by public authorities (eg government departments, local councils, health authorities etc) or by businesses that carry out public functions (eg privatised utility companies).
Who do FOI requests apply to?
public authorities
It’s believed that more than 100,000 bodies are covered by the provisions of the Act – from schools to hospitals. This means they have to receive and answer FOI requests that are sent to them. Almost all of the bodies that are covered by the FOI Act are classified as public authorities.
What are the limitations of the Freedom of Information Act?
Limitations of the FOIA First, the FOIA gives the public the right to ask for federal agency records; it doesn’t guarantee the public the absolute right to have them. People are entitled to make a request and receive a response, but there’s nothing in the law that says the agency owes them those records.
Do you have to give a reason for an FOI request?
An applicant does not need to give a reason for wanting the information and all requests for information must be treated equally (except under some circumstances relating to vexatious requests, which we will cover later in this guide).
When can you refuse an FOI request?
You can refuse requests if they are repeated, whether or not they are also vexatious. You can normally refuse to comply with a request if it is identical or substantially similar to one you previously complied with from the same requester.
When can a freedom of information request be refused?
What is considered personal information under the Privacy Act?
The Privacy Act defines personal information as any recorded information about an identifiable individual including: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age or marital status. education, medical, criminal or employment history of an individual or information about financial transactions.
What is excluded from the Freedom of Information Act?
(c)(1) Exclusion: Subject of a criminal investigation or proceeding is unaware of the existence of records concerning the pending investigation or proceeding and disclosure of such records would interfere with the investigation or proceeding.
Can you refuse a Freedom of Information request?
What is sensitive personal information under the Privacy Act?
Sensitive information is personal information that includes information or an opinion about an individual’s: racial or ethnic origin. political opinions or associations. religious or philosophical beliefs.