IPC launches new expedited process
The IPC has launched a new expedited process to resolve certain access appeals and complaints more quickly, so parties can get to resolution sooner.
The expedited process applies to certain types of access to information appeals under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Certain types of access to personal information complaints under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) are also eligible for this new expedited process.
Several file types could be streamlined as part of this new process. Examples include files where the sole issue(s) being raised involve:
- The adequacy of the institution’s decision in response to an access request
- whether an institution is deemed to have refused access due to its failure to provide a response within statutory timeline
- whether the institution failed to disclose records it has agreed to disclose
- contestations about the amount of fees charged, or requests for fee waivers
- whether the institution has conducted a reasonable search for the requested records
- time extensions
The new expedited process team will use a single person processing model, with one case lead handling a particular file from start to finish.
The expedited appeals process will follow a new Practice Direction 13 under the IPC's code of procedure for access to information appeals under FIPPA and MFIPPA. The expedited process for access to personal information complaints under PHIPA or the CYFSA will follow section 10 of the PHIPA code of procedure.