Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act
The Act applies to Ontario's municipal councils as well as school boards, police commissions, public utilities commissions, boards of health, conservation authorities, and public library boards.
The Act came into effect on January 1, 1991.
The Act embodies two important rights:
Records in the custody and control of the Town are available to the public, and personal information about individuals held by the Town is protected from disclosure.
The Act establishes a process enabling the public to gain access to the records in the Town's custody and control. While the Act acknowledges that some exemptions from this general right of access are necessary, it also states that the exemptions should be limited and specific. Decisions on disclosure are reviewed independently of the Town government by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
The Act is not meant to interfere with the present open disclosure practice of the Town. The Act is meant to provide the public with a means of access to the records of the Town (except personal information) that are not available through usual channels. Information is provided and will continue to be provided to the public without using this route of access. The Act is intended as a last resort.
The Act requires the Town to follow rules regarding the collection, retention, use, disclosure, and disposal of personal information in its custody and control.
The Act gives individuals a right to appeal any decisions that are made by the Town about access to records or personal information. Appeals are filed with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario who is an officer of the Ontario legislature and is independent of the government or any institution.
For more information about the Act, contact Andrea Fay, F.O.I. Co-ordinator, Clerk's Department, (705) 526-4275, extension 2209. An Access/Request Correction Application can be obtained from the Municipal Office or at this site.
