Vancouver, April 1, 2019 — A statement released yesterday by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services, which claims that “new legislative changes improve transparency and accountability for British Columbians,” is a significant misrepresentation of an effective duty to document and is a distraction from the pressing reforms that are necessary for BC’s Freedom of Information and […]

On this episode of the show, we go back to a time before British Columbia had freedom of information or privacy laws—to the year 1990—and find out what it was like to request information from government. Then, we find out how a small group of dedicated individuals were able to advocate, draft, and ultimately bring […]

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr. Richard Rosenberg, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Computer Science of UBC, former President of the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, and lifelong advocate for privacy rights. Below are messages about Richard from FIPA’s President, Mike Larsen, and former Executive Directors, […]

Download the full March 2019 Bulletin, or use the links below to read individual articles online. In this issue: Introducing: Data Subjects, a new podcast from FIPA Update on Whistleblower legislation Book your FOI 101 now! Welcoming a new board member Find more issues of the Bulletin here.

We are pleased to introduce Nazli Jelveh as the newest member of FIPA’s Board of Directors. After completing her undergraduate studies in mathematics, she attended Osgoode Hall Law School and obtained her JD in 2018. Currently, she works as an articling law student at a boutique law firm in downtown Vancouver and will soon be […]

We offer Freedom of Information workshops to anyone looking to learn basic and practical skills needed to start tackling their own FOI projects. Workshops are entirely FREE and can be focused on the foundational knowledge of FOI through our 101 workshops, or the more advanced intricacies found in our 201 version. Send us a message […]

Last November, we published Carroll Anne Boydell’s analysis of BC’s new whistleblower legislation – the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) – and how it compares to international best practice standards. The study, which is currently available to download from our website, examines different legislations containing protections for whistleblowers who disclose wrongdoing in the province and […]

Data Subjects is a new podcast dedicated to issues surrounding privacy and freedom of information rights in Canada. The show marks FIPA’s first foray into the world of podcasts. Episodes will tackle a wide variety of topics, from the history of FOI in Canada, to the pitfalls of our modern privacy rights, and many more. […]

We’ve been hearing from a lot of British Columbians who are concerned about sharing their Social Insurance Number (SIN) with the Ministry of Finance in the administration of the new Speculation and Vacancy Tax. The Social Insurance Number is a sensitive piece of personal information that should only be provided under very specific circumstances. The […]

Media Release A small step towards open and transparent government Vancouver, February 5, 2019 – The B.C. Freedom of Information and Privacy Association is pleased with the recommendations made by the province’s top watchdogs to bring the Legislative Assembly of B.C. under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Signed by Information […]

By Carlo Javier It was fitting to end Data Privacy Day on Jan. 28 with a talk called Privacy in Peril. Organized by the Vancouver Public Library and the SFU Library, the event saw Mike Larsen of the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA) and Micheal Vonn of the BC Civil Liberties Association […]

Media Release Scandal at Legislative Assembly demonstrates need for Law Reform Vancouver, January 24, 2019 – The need for reforming British Columbia’s outdated Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) is evidenced by the recent scandal concerning misconduct and lack of oversight at B.C.’s Legislative Assembly. Allegations made by house speaker Darryl Plecas […]