Guidance documents for organizations

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner publishes guidance documents to promote compliance with Ontario’s access and privacy laws. New materials are posted on an ongoing basis. If you are looking for a guidance on a topic that is not listed here, please contact us.

Showing 15 of 225 results

Title Topic Type Date
Interpretation Bulletin: Information Available to the Public Interpretation Bulletins Download Read moreExpand

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).

Interpretation Bulletin: Solicitor-Client Privilege Interpretation Bulletins Download Read moreExpand

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”). 

Code of Procedure for Appeals Under FIPPA and MFIPPA Professional Guidelines Download Read moreExpand

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.

Practice Direction #7 - Sharing of Representations Practice Directions Download Read moreExpand

In effect September 9, 2024.

Practice Direction #6 - Affidavit and Other Evidence Practice Directions Download Read moreExpand

In effect September 9, 2024.

Practice Direction #5 - Direction to Institutions When Making Representations Practice Directions Download Read moreExpand

In effect September 9, 2024.

Fact Sheet: Guidelines for Parties Whose Commercial or Business Information is at Issue in an Appeal Fact Sheets Download Read moreExpand

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 Repealed as of September 9, 2024. 

Fact Sheet: Guidelines for Individuals Whose Personal Information is at Issue in an Appeal Fact Sheets Download Read moreExpand

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 Repealed as of September 9, 2024. 

Practice Direction #2 - Participating in a Written FIPPA or MFIPPA Inquiry Practice Directions Download Read moreExpand

In effect September 9, 2024.

Practice Direction #1 - Providing Records to the IPC During an Appeal Practice Directions Download Read moreExpand

In effect September 9, 2024.

Practice Direction #13 - Expedited Processes Practice Directions Download Read moreExpand

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.

IPC launches new expedited process Practice Directions , Professional Guidelines Read moreExpand

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 comments on Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act Advice and Submissions Download Read moreExpand

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.

IPC comments on regulatory proposal regarding publication of Inspector General of Policing reports under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 Advice and Submissions Download Read moreExpand

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. 

Privacy and Access in Public Sector Contracting with Third Party Service Providers Professional Guidelines Download Read moreExpand

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.

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