FOIPOP Request

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP) provides access to most records under the control of the provincial government, while protecting the privacy of individuals who do not want their personal information made public. The Act strives for balance between an individual’s right to know and an individual’s right to privacy.

The Act supports the belief that every document, record or file held by the government, regardless of format, is subject to release to the general public. Specific and limited exemptions from disclosure are provided for in the Act to protect against the unreasonable invasion of personal privacy; to prevent unfair advantages occurring in commercial or government transactions; to protect law enforcement activities; and to safeguard the business conducted by government. A person may obtain information, providing the information requested is not exempted by the Act, if the following three conditions are met:

  1. The request is made in writing to the CAO. The completion of the FOIPOP Application, or a written letter is required. The letter must state that the application is pursuant to the Act and contain all the necessary information.
  2. The application request must be specific, so that someone familiar with the subject matter can find the records.
  3. There is no charge for your own personal information. The application must contain payment of the $5.00 application fee, if the request is for general or third party information. (See FOIPOP Regulations, Section 6, subsection 7). Additional fees may be charged for:
  • the cost of staff time to locate and retrieve information ($15/half hour)
  • the cost of staff time to prepare the records ($15/half hour)
  • photocopying, mailing, and if applicable, fax charges ($0.20/photocopy)

Provided that the request for information has been directed to the proper government body, it must be responded to within thirty days from receipt. There are instances where extensions of 30 or 60 days may be required.

Documents