I94-064P

This investigation was initiated as a result of a complaint concerning the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (the Ministry).

The complainant had been involved with an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (the OMB) of a zoning by-law, in a particular town (the Town). Sometime later, the complainant sent a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs (the Minister), by facsimile, complaining about the conduct of the Interim Chair of the OMB and requesting that the Ministry investigate the OMB's handling of the appeal.

The complainant stated that although his facsimile cover sheet to the Minister was clearly marked "confidential," the Minister had nonetheless disclosed his letter in its entirety to the Interim Chair who was, "the official about whom I was complaining." The complainant provided us with a copy of the Minister's reply, in which he stated: "... I have noted your concerns and have forwarded a copy of your letter and my response to (the named Interim Chair), for his attention." The complainant believed that this disclosure of his personal information had contravened the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act).

The complainant also provided us with a copy of a facsimile cover sheet which an employee of the Ministry had sent to an employee of the Town. In the "Comment" section, the Ministry employee had stated: "As per your request, I have attached a copy of our Minister's recent response to (the named complainant) regarding an OMB matter. I have also attached (the named complainant's) letter." The complainant felt that this disclosure had also violated the Act.

• FIPPA
• 2(1) personal information (c)
• 2(1) personal information (d)
• 2(1) personal information (e)
• 2(1) personal information (h)
• 42(c)

• disclosure of complaint information
• reasonably expected