Ontario’s access laws contain a “public interest override” provision that requires a public sector organization to “override” the application of certain exemptions, and disclose a record in situations where there is a compelling public interest in doing so that clearly outweighs the purpose of the exemption. To help public sector organizations and the public understand the … [Read more...] about Public Interest Disclosure
Access/FOI/ATIP
New FOI research resource
The BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA) has created the Transparency Spotlight — a table of over 6,500 Canadian and British Columbian news stories informed through Access to Information requests. The table can be sorted, and is searchable by keyword or by selecting one of ten pre-identified categories. "Transparency Spotlight shows the important role … [Read more...] about New FOI research resource
Reinforcing Privacy and Access to Information Rights During and After a Pandemic
Canada’s Information and Privacy regulators issued a joint resolution calling on their respective governments to respect Canadians’ quasi-constitutional rights to privacy and access to information. The regulators took note of the serious impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the right of access to information and privacy rights in Canada and called on governments to use the … [Read more...] about Reinforcing Privacy and Access to Information Rights During and After a Pandemic
Access to Information Transforms Lives
Information has the power to transform lives. The fundamental right of access to information is critical for both governments and the people they serve and is particularly crucial for women. It provides for a more meaningful voice, enabling women to participate in public life, access public services, and make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their … [Read more...] about Access to Information Transforms Lives
Qualification and proficiency of privacy and access control professionals
What 21st century skills do privacy professionals need in our data economy? How can Canadian organizations navigate international, federal, and provincial/territorial privacy requirements? The PACC Core Competency Standards, and the PACC Professional Certification Program — which was launched in 2009 and relies on rigorous and unbiased qualification criteria — were … [Read more...] about Qualification and proficiency of privacy and access control professionals
Info watchdog raps Privy Council Office for terminating access requests from public
The federal information watchdog has chastised the prime minister's bureaucrats for shutting down several requests from the public without good cause. In a series of decisions made public Tuesday, information commissioner Caroline Maynard reveals the Privy Council Office simply closed four Access to Information requests to avoid missing due dates. In each case, the body … [Read more...] about Info watchdog raps Privy Council Office for terminating access requests from public
