FOI & ATIP Services
Privacy Matters is here to help you get the information you are looking for. We can also set your organization up to meet your statutory obligations under the relevant legislations.
British Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and Canada’s Access to Information Act (ATIA) underpin government accountability and democracy by giving the public the right to access government records. Requesting information and navigating the complaints process can be overwhelming, but we provide guidance throughout the process to help you get the information you are after.
Privacy Matters strives to help both individuals and businesses throughout the FOI (freedom of information) and ATIP (access to information and privacy) processes.
For individuals, our experts provide guidance on filing and navigating FOI requests, and working with the Office of Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) for British Columbia in the event that your request gets escalated.
For public sector organizations, our experienced FOI professionals can help you set up your FOI processes and procedures to handle access to information requests. This includes providing FOI and ATIP in-house training for your staff.
FOI & ATIP FAQs
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While FOI and ATIP are often used interchangeably, the former generally refers to provincial right to access information law (FIPPA) and the latter refers to the federal law (ATIA). Both these legal instruments allow individuals to request records, policy documents, and correspondence that show how these agencies operate. There are minor differences between how these laws function and we can help you navigate these differences.
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It depends. If your business works with public-sector organizations, then you could be subject to FOI/ATI requests.
Not sure? Contact us and we can provide guidance on the regulatory requirements under each law.
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Every business is subject to either PIPA (BC) or PIPEDA (Canada), and both laws give individuals the right to access their own personal information. If you receive an access request from an individual, you must provide the following upon request:
Access to their personal information,
Information on how your business has used or is using their personal information, and
The names of the individuals and organizations your business has disclosed their information to and in which situations you disclose their information.