Guidance documents for organizations

This interpretation bulletin outlines the elements to consider when determining if a record falls under the published information or information available to the public exemption, as set out in section 22 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and section 15 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

This interpretation bulletin addresses the solicitor-client privilege exemption, as set out in section 19 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and section 12 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). This document outlines the types of records that are exempted, specifically records subject to common law solicitor-client privilege (referred to as “branch one”) and those records that fall under statutory privilege (referred to as “branch two”). 

The updated Code of Procedure for appeals under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act took effect on September 9, 2024. The IPC has also updated its Practice Directions under the new code which also take effect on the same date. For more information, please see our Code of Procedure section.

In effect September 9, 2024.

In effect September 9, 2024.

In effect September 9, 2024.

Formerly Practice Direction #4. Repealed as of September 9, 2024. 

Formerly Practice Direction #3. Repealed as of September 9, 2024. 

In effect September 9, 2024.

In effect September 9, 2024.

Practice Direction 13 outlines the IPC’s new expedited process to resolve certain access appeals and complaints more quickly, so parties can get to resolution sooner. This new practice direction falls under the IPC's code of procedure for access to information appeals under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. In effect as of July 9, 2024.

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...

IPC submission concerning Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, focusing on enhancing cyber security, guardrails concerning AI system requirements, and privacy protections for children, youth, and the public sector. The submission provides recommendations concerning the levels of accountability, transparency, and oversight that are needed in a rapidly changing world.

The IPC provided comments to the Ministry of the Solicitor General about a regulatory proposal relating to the publication of findings reports and directions by the Inspector General of Policing. This new role, the first of its kind in Canada, provides independent oversight of police services, police service boards and other policing organizations across the province. The IPC offers recommendations to support effective, privacy protective, transparent, and accountable oversight of policing organizations in Ontario. 

This guidance provides practical advice for public sector organizations to help them identify privacy and transparency considerations when contracting with third party service providers. It includes best practices and recommendations to support proper accountability for records and personal information throughout the procurement process.