The Ministry of Citizens’ Services launched an online survey soliciting input on access to government information and the protection of privacy. The Ministry says it will use this input to make improvements to the rules surrounding access to information and protection of personal information. The survey is open until 4pm PT on July 15, 2021.   We were hoping for a […]

The 2021 Annual General Meeting is an ideal opportunity to hear highlights of the Association’s work over the past year and our key priorities going forward. We will conduct regular AGM business and elect our Board members. This AGM also includes a Special Resolution presented to the members for approval.  When: Thursday, July 20, 2021 from 6:00 PM […]

This release and statement were placed on line on June 16th, 2021 at 10:00 am. That afternoon as a motion without notice was made in the BC Legislature to appoint the special committee to review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The government of the day continues to abandon its commitment to improve accountability […]

VANCOUVER, September 17, 2020 – The Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA) is pleased to announce the details for our Information Summit 2020 and our first events slated to be held during Right to Know week.  In prior years, Information Summit has been an opportunity for speakers and professionals to gather, network and explore issues and concepts around information, transparency and privacy. COVID-19 means the all-day conference is not happening, but the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of […]

VANCOUVER, September 17, 2020 – The BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA) has released their latest report Troubling clouds: Gaps affecting privacy protection in British Columbia’s K-12 education system.    “The government is setting the system up for failure.” according to Jason Woywada BC FIPA Executive Director. “Without the resources, guidance and supports they need, teachers, schools, and districts are making the best of a bad situation. The result puts personal information in the system at risk.”  […]

FIPA’s latest report is titled: Troubling Clouds: Gaps affecting privacy protection in British Columbia’s K-12 education system. This meeting is a virtual face to face with report author Matthew A. J. Levine as he details his findings and recommendations that impact anyone in K-12. The report exposes that whether in the classroom or online BC’s patchwork approach […]

Commissioner Michael McEvoy from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) kicks things off. He will be focusing on transparency and privacy in the context of COVID-19 along with recent work at the OIPC. This Microsoft Teams meetings is capped at 250 participants. Given the impacts we’ve seen through this global pandemic be sure to sign up […]

In prior years, Information Summit has been an opportunity for speakers and professionals to gather, network and explore issues and concepts around information, transparency, and privacy. COVID-19 means the all-day conference is not happening, but the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of great speakers on topics that matter remains. Held over lunch, this […]

BC FIPA and BCCLA support the Heiltsuk First Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, and Tsilhqot’in National Government’s requests for COVID case information  VANCOUVER, September 15, 2020 – The BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA) and the BC Civil Liberties Association’s (BCCLA) have signed a joint letter to express support for the Heiltsuk First Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, and Tsilhqot’in National Government’s and their requests for information […]

Vancouver, September 2, 2020 – FIPA is encouraged by the report but discouraged by the climate that gave rise to it. The fact that public bodies have been consistently violating the law is deeply concerning and FIPA urges the BC Government to take this report seriously.    “The NDP ran on a platform favouring stronger FOI law in 2017. We haven’t seen them follow through […]

This document analyzes BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) relative to Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act, Quebec’s Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector, and Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. It highlights key differences, provision by provision, in BC’s PIPA relative to other jurisdictions. As it is a side by side analysis of Canada’s private-sector privacy […]

BC FIPA and BCCLA recommend key changes to BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) VANCOUVER, August 17, 2020 – BC’s Personal Information and Protection Act (PIPA) is in need of reform. That’s the finding of the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA) and BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) in a joint written submission to the Special Legislative Committee. FIPA previously made an oral presentation to the Special Committee […]