Bill is a significant step in the right direction, but highlights problems with the current Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FIPPA). On April 25, BC Attorney General David Eby introduced legislation that would create a framework allowing public service employees to disclose serious wrongdoing, and provides general provisions to protect the discloser. The BC […]

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 […]

November 1, 2017 FIPA’s Submission on ATIA reform (Bill C-58) The long-promised Liberal amendments to the Access to Information Act (ATIA) were finally revealed just before Parliament’s summer recess, and the reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Federal Information Commissioner Suzanne Legault (who was not consulted by the government on the proposed legislation) was also […]

MEDIA RELEASE BC government bill does not create a duty to document government decisions  Legislation introduced today is completely discretionary says FIPA VANCOUVER, March 8, 2017 – The bill introduced this afternoon by Finance Minister Mike de Jong is a sad excuse for action on creating a duty to document government decisions. Despite demands from […]

FIPA weighs in on Privacy Act, PIPEDA reforms FIPA has been active regarding federal privacy law, appearing twice before the Commons ATI, Ethics and Privacy (ETHI) committee over the past few months. The Committee was looking into proposal for reform of the 1980s vintage Privacy Act, and asked FIPA to appear to provide input into […]

BC Throne Speech has none of needed reforms for FOI and privacy The Speech from the Throne kicked off the last legislative session before the May 9 provincial election, but the ruling BC Liberals took a pass on even mentioning FOI and privacy. The week before, Premier Christy Clark raised the issue of mandatory breach […]

Many thanks to our pro bono lawyers We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our pro bono lawyers, Sean Hern of Farris Vaughn and Alison Latimer of Underhill, Boies Parkers, Gage & Latimer, who have represented FIPA in our Election Act challenge over the past four years. Without their dedication and hard work, […]

The Final Verdict to our Election Act Challenge: An Unusual Victory  Our 4 year battle has finally come to an end. Late last month, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed our appeal but ultimately sided with FIPA by making it clear that election advertising, in its “grammatical and ordinary sense,” does not apply to those […]

The conviction of former Ministry of Transportation political staffer George Gretes for  obstructing the Information and Privacy Commissioner in her investigation of the “Triple Delete” scandal underscores the need for serious reform of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). He was not, however, charged with the act of deleting information as […]

FIPA was back in Ottawa earlier this month, once again talking about reform of the ancient Access to Information Act. This is something we have done going back to the last century, with very little to show for our efforts to-date. There is a difference this time, however, because the minister responsible for the Act, […]