Common Questions
Who can handle FOI/ATI requests? What are the costs?
In BC, anyone can file an Freedom of Information (FOI) request under FIPPA and PIPA with no application fee. However, under section 75 of FIPPA, there may be other fees, including: locating, retrieving and producing the record; preparing the record for disclosure; shipping and handling the record; and providing a copy of the record.
There is no basic fee for submitting a request for access to records in BC; however, depending on the size and complexity of an FOI general request, fees may be charged for services provided. Fees are not charged for: the first three hours spent locating and retrieving a record; or time spent severing information from a record.
This applies to both personal and general records.
Under federal (Canada-wide) legislation, only a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or an individual or corporation currently in Canada may file requests. If you are making a request on behalf of someone else, you must include the Consent for an Access to Information and Personal Information Request (IMM5744).
A request for general information under the Access to Information Act is $5.00 per request. A request for personal information has no application fee.
There is no basic fee for submitting a request for access to records in BC; however, depending on the size and complexity of an FOI general request, fees may be charged for services provided. Fees are not charged for: the first three hours spent locating and retrieving a record; or time spent severing information from a record.
This applies to both personal and general records.
Under federal (Canada-wide) legislation, only a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or an individual or corporation currently in Canada may file requests. If you are making a request on behalf of someone else, you must include the Consent for an Access to Information and Personal Information Request (IMM5744).
A request for general information under the Access to Information Act is $5.00 per request. A request for personal information has no application fee.
Need more help?
The FIPA HelpLine helps the public with their questions, problems and concerns regarding access to information and privacy protection by providing information and non-legal advice.
See our related common questions:
Last reviewed May 2017
- tags
- Freedom of Information, FOI, access to information, ATI, BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA)
