The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) grants individuals the right to access records held by public bodies. However, the release of information is subject to exceptions outlined in Division 2 of FOIPPA, such as the protection of personal privacy. Requests for records containing sensitive or personal information are handled in accordance with FOIPPA.
FOIPPA is provincial legislation that balances an individual’s right to information and privacy in two ways:
- Freedom of Information: To make public bodies more open and accountable by providing the public with a legislated right of access to government records.
- Protection of Privacy: To prevent the unauthorized collection, use, or disclosure of personal information by public bodies.
Access to Records
Records under the control or custody of the District of Highlands that do not contain personal or sensitive information can be requested verbally or in writing. Routinely available records include Council agendas and minutes, policy and procedures manuals, guidelines, annual reports, and bylaws. Please check a Sample List of Typically Produced Records by Local Government to see if a formal request is required.
If the information you seek is not routinely available, you can submit a formal request for access under the FOIPPA. Written requests can be submitted to the Corporate Officer via email (airving@highlands.ca), fax (250-474-1773), regular mail, or hand-delivered (1980 Millstream Road). You may also submit an Access to Records form request.
Please make your request clear, specific, and concise to reduce processing times and possible fees. Indicate the date range for the records you seek and whether you would like to receive the records by email, regular mail, or pick-up.
NOTE: Records in the custody or control of another public body, including the RCMP, must be obtained directly from that public body.
Fees
Under Section 75 of FOIPPA, the District may charge fees for the costs of providing applicants with records. Additional fees such as photocopying and shipping also apply.
If there are costs involved in processing a formal request, we will send you a fee estimate before processing your application.
For a list of fees and charges, please refer to Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Regulation.
Protection of Privacy
The District of Highlands respects an individual’s right to have certain personal information protected. The District protects the personal information it collects, accesses, uses, and stores from individuals, including employees, citizens, service providers, and others, in accordance with FOIPPA by:
- Ensuring compliance with the District’s Records Classification and Retention Schedule
- Collecting the minimum amount of personal information required for business purposes
- Obtaining consent from individuals in a prescribed way (e.g., in writing) when collecting their personal information for a prescribed purpose
- Describing the purposes for which personal information is used in ‘statements of notification’ on all District forms and collection sites
- Ensuring personal information collected is accurate
- Providing individuals access to their information and the means to correct their personal information
- Responsible use of information and information technology, including administrative, physical, and technological security controls and appropriate access controls
- Developing and continually revising privacy management policies
How to correct your personal information or address privacy concerns:
Contact the Corporate Officer to discuss the personal information you would like corrected or submit your request in writing to airving@highlands.ca.