P-280

The appellant's client drives a truck for a living. In response to a letter received from an individual in the early part of 1990, the Ministry of Transportation (the "institution") asked the appellant's client to obtain a medical and psychiatric assessment. If he failed to do so, he was advised that his driver's licence could be suspended. These assessments were provided to the institution by the appellant's family physician and treating psychologist.

On January 21, 1991, the appellant submitted a request to the institution for access to the assessments, and to the name of the person who submitted the letter which precipitated the institution's request for the assessments. On March 5, 1991, the institution provided the appellant with a copy of his client's "Driver's Medical Information Report", and advised him that access to the letter (the "record") was denied, pursuant to section 20 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the "Act").

On March 22, 1991, the appellant appealed the decision of the institution to this office.

The Appeals Officer assigned to the case obtained and reviewed a copy of the record. Mediation of the appeal was unsuccessful, and the matter proceeded to inquiry. Notices of Inquiry were sent to the institution, the appellant and the author of the record (the "affected person"). Written representations were received from all three parties.

• FIPPA
• 2(1) personal information (a)
• 2(1) personal information (g)
• 49(a)
• Section 20

• opinions or views