In this special edition episode of our Data Subjects podcast, we revisit our Policing Info World conference. On May 23, 2019, we co-hosted a conference that explored the data behind crime, law enforcement, and surveillance. Along with department of criminology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the BC Civil Liberties Association, we heard from experts in law enforcement, […]

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 […]

Caution is necessary as artificial intelligence continues to shift the Canadian digital economy Artificial intelligence has long been reshaping the way we live and this summer marked an important stride in Canada’s path to an even more digitally-driven economy and government. From Jan. 19 to Sept. 21, Minister Navdeep Bains of Innovation, Science, and Economic […]

How the government’s action regarding the long-overdue FIPPA reform reflects our collective attitudes towards political issues By Carlo Javier We have an interesting relationship with our rights – especially those dealing with our freedom to access information and privacy. On one hand, conversations around such issues have certainly become more welcome in the general Canadian […]

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Civil Society Groups Unite to Push for Action to Reform Freedom of Information and Privacy Legislation Groups across Canada kick-off Right to Know Week by calling for immediate action to reform and update BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). VANCOUVER, September 24, 2018 […]

Earlier today we sent a joint letter to Premier John Horgan and Minister Jinny Sims supporting Freedom of Information and privacy reform. The text of the letter, signed by a number of well-known groups and individuals, is set out below. See here for the PDF copy. September 24, 2018 The Honourable John Horgan Premier of […]

MEDIA RELEASE April 27, 2018 BC Government introduces Public Interest Disclosure Act Bill is a significant step in the right direction, but highlights problems with the current Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FIPPA) VANCOUVER, APRIL 25, 2018 – On April 25, BC Attorney General David Eby introduced legislation that would create a framework allowing […]

FIPA’s submission on FIPPA reform FIPA has been busy the past few months pushing for Freedom of Information and privacy reform. During this time, we ramped up pressure on the new government with our Ipsos poll and a joint letter sent to Premier John Horgan pushing for information rights reform. In response, the BC Ministry of Citizens’ Services has […]

Exciting news! The BC Ministry of Citizens’ Services has launched a public consultation on freedom of information and privacy rights in BC, and we need your help! Here’s your chance to voice your thoughts, concerns or ideas for change. Help us put an end to record destruction, failure to create records, FOI loopholes, and other […]