FOI Education Page - BC
Contact: Info4FOI@proton.me
FOI BC Training Module #1.
A Recorded Educational Event:
Presented by: Karine Boudua, Chair of the FOI Committee in BC.
Note: ” The contact email is Info4FOI@proton.me (the video is wrong.)
This module (FOI Training Session #1) covers the basics of creating a Freedom of Information Request in British Columbia.
Suggested steps to filing a Freedom of Information Request in BC.
To submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request in British Columbia, you need to follow these steps:
1. Identify the public body: Determine which public body holds the information you are seeking. Public bodies can include government ministries, agencies, boards, commissions, Crown corporations, and local government bodies.
2. Prepare your request: Clearly describe the information you are seeking and be as specific as possible. Include details like dates, names, and any other relevant information that can help narrow down your request. You can use the official FOI request form provided by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia (OIPC) or submit a written request.
3. Submit your request: You can send your FOI request by mail, fax, email, or in person to the public body’s FOI office. Ensure that you keep a copy of your request for your records.
4. Pay the application fee: In British Columbia, there is a $5 application fee for an FOI request. However, certain categories of requesters (such as individuals seeking their own personal information) may be exempt from this fee. If applicable, enclose the fee with your request or include a request for a fee waiver.
5. Await response: The public body has 30 business days to respond to your FOI request. They may provide the information, deny access to some or all of it, or request an extension if the request is complex or requires a large amount of records.
6. Review decision: If your request is denied or you are unsatisfied with the response, you can request an internal review by the public body. They have 30 business days to conduct the review and provide a decision.
7. Appeal to the OIPC: If you are still not satisfied with the outcome, you can file an appeal with the OIPC within 30 days of receiving the public body’s decision. The OIPC will independently review your case and make a final decision.
Remember, it is important to familiarize yourself with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) in British Columbia to understand your rights and the process involved in submitting an FOI request.
The OIPC website provides detailed information and resources to guide you through the process.