FIPPA - Frequently Asked Questions

What is FIPPA?
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) provides a right of access to information in the custody or under the control of institutions subject to the Act and, provides a right to the protection of personal information under the custody or control of the institution.

Public hospitals in Ontario came under the provisions of FIPPA on January 1, 2012.

FIPPA regulates the collection, use, disclosure, retention, destruction, security and accuracy of personal information.
 

• FIPPA - Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• FIPPA. R.R.O 1990. Regulation 459 - Disposal of Personal Information
• FIPPA, R.R.O. 1990. Regulation 460 - General

  Do I have to file a freedom of information request to get information?
  No, a formal application may not be necessary. Ontario Shores has created an extensive Website that features a wide range of content about our organization, programs, services and governance. Please check the Ontario Shores Website first before making a formal application. 
   
  How do I make a formal request for access to information under FIPPA?
  If you make a formal request for access to information or access to personal information or to have your personal information corrected, you must fill out the Access to Information Request form, and submit along with a $5 application fee (cheques payable to Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, or money order). Subsequently there may be additional charges related to the cost of searching for, preparing and sending the information requested. Please be very specific as to the material you are requesting. The more detail provided will assist in searching and obtaining the information and reduce the administration cost and additional fees.

  How long does an FOI request take to process?
  Once Ontario Shores receives a formal FOI request it will be reviewed to ensure it has sufficient detail and contains the application fee. Once it is deemed that the hospital has a complete FOI request, the process will begin and you will receive a response within 30 days. Possible responses could be: granting full or partial access to records; notification that no relevant records exist; notification of the need for a time extension and/or the need to notify affected third parties; and issue of a fee estimate and interim decision regarding the request.
   
  What if I disagree with the results of a formal access to information request?
  You have the right to appeal a decision of the FIPPA Officer to the provincial Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. Appeals must be made within 30 days of when you receive the decision. You may contact the Commissioner at:
  
  Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario
  2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
  Toronto, ON  M4W 1A8
  Information the appeal process and related fees is available at https://www.ipc.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/Resources/appeal_process-e.pdf

  Do I have to identify who I am?
  Not with a general request, but you must identify yourself when making personal information requests.