What privacy/access to information legislation is X body covered under?

In BC, the private sector and public sector are governed by separate freedom of information (FOI) and privacy legislation.  

The Freedom of information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) regulates the FOI and privacy practices of organizations in the public sector. Public sector organizations (public bodies) covered by FIPPA include: 

• Ministries 
• The Office of the Premier 
• Crown corporations 
• Local governments (Including municipalities and regional districts) 
• Schools 
• Hospitals 
• Local police forces  
• Governing bodies (eg., governing bodies of professions) 

FIPPA does not cover the office of a person who is a member or officer of the Legislative Assembly. FIPPA also does not cover the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or Provincial Court. Please see Schedule 2 of FIPPA for a detailed but non-exhaustive list of public bodies covered by FIPPA. Please see Schedule 3 of FIPPA for a list of governing bodies of professions or occupations.  

The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) regulates the FOI and privacy practices of organizations in the private sector. Private sector organizations covered by PIPA include: 

• Corporations  
• Stratas 
• Credit Unions 
• Partnerships 
• Doctor’s offices 
• Associations that are not incorporated 
• Co-operative associations, including housing co-ops 
• Not-for-profits 
• Societies 
• Churches or other religious organizations 
• Charities 
• Sports clubs 
• Trade unions 
• Political parties 
• Individuals involved in a commercial activity (eg., business that is not incorporated) 
• Trusts  

Persons who act in a personal or domestic way (for purposes related solely to family or home activities) are not covered by PIPA.  

Updated 2024.09. 20

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These pages were last updated and reviewed in the summer of 2024. 

The information on these pages only contains general information and guidance; none of the information constitutes legal advice. If you have a specific issue that you believe is a legal problem, the best practice is to consult a lawyer. 

The information is non-partisan, dynamic and ever changing. It is the result of FIPA’s research and public education programs.

If you note something that needs to be added, corrected, or removed, please contact us by email: fipa AT fipa.bc.ca.