PO-2464

A request was submitted under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act) for information concerning the requester held by the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) of the Ministry of Community and Social Services (the Ministry). The requester also sought other detailed information about the operations of the FRO.

The Ministry did not respond to the request within 30 days, and the requester, now the appellant, filed a "deemed refusal" appeal. Appeal Number PA-050058-1 was opened. Subsequently, the Ministry issued a decision in response to the request, and this appeal was closed.

In the Ministry’s decision, it refused to process the request under section 27.1 of the Act and section 5.1 of Regulation 460 as, in its opinion, the request was frivolous and vexatious.

The appellant appealed this decision and the Commissioner’s office opened Appeal Number PA-050058-2. During mediation, the Ministry agreed to process the request, and the appellant agreed to significantly reduce the scope of his request to include only the following points that are outlined in bold:

(a) A detailed account of yearly expenditures. The unedited statement of expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2003. The total budget that was submitted to the Ministry of Community and Social Services by FRO for approval for the fiscal year 2003.

(b) Any and all management reports. Quarterly reports for Management Board Secretariat and internal management for the year of 2003.

(c) Time elapsed between court rulings and first contact with payor. The average time it took for a case number to be assigned after the court ruling and first contact with payor for the year of 2003.

(d) How much interest is gained everyday by withholding payments to the recipients? The amount of interest that was paid to the account where money was deposited for recipients in total for the years 2003.

(e) Where does the interest go? If any interest is earned in any bank account used by FRO where does this money go?

(f) Who are the computer consultants to FRO? What are the names of the computer consultants used by FRO?

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• 57(1)
• 57(4)
• FIPPA

• preparing record
• fair and equitable
• financial hardship