What's New

Commissioner’s blog: An impromptu visit from Sidney B. Linden

Commissioner Kosseim writes about meeting Sidney B. Linden, Ontario’s first Information and Privacy Commissioner, and the evolution of access, privacy, and the IPC.

Blog

- Published on Sep 27, 2024

New episode! The beauty and benefits of transparency

This special episode features innovative projects submitted by Ontario’s public institutions as part of the IPC’s Transparency Challenge 2.0.

Multimedia

- Published on Sep 26, 2024

A banner reading "IPC Transparency Showcase," next to an illustration of one of Aesop's Fables, “Mercury and the Woodsman.”

The IPC’s second Transparency Showcase is here!

The IPC’s Transparency Showcase is back with another round of exhibits promoting government transparency and open data. Visit our virtual 3D gallery and see all great submissions we received from Ontario’s public institutions showing the real and positive impacts of transparency and open data on the...

News Release

- Published on Sep 25, 2024

IPC submission on job postings rules in the Employment Standards Act, 2000

IPC submission to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s regulatory consultation on job postings rules in the Employment Standards Act. The submission focuses on questions regarding artificial intelligence and its role in the workplace.

Resource

- Published on Sep 20, 2024

Commissioner’s letter to the Ministry of Health about proposed regulatory amendments under the Personal Health Information Protection Act

In her letter, Commissioner Kosseim recommends that the m inistry reconsider its proposal to better facilitate Ontarians’ easy and meaningful access to their records in the provincial Electronic Health Record. The commissioner also recommends that the m inistry carefully consider transparency and...

Resource

- Published on Sep 9, 2024

Two figures standing on opposite sides of a trench shaped like a speech bubble.

New podcast episode! Why mediation matters: Improving outcomes in FOI appeals.

Commissioner Kosseim speaks with Shaun Sanderson, a mediator at the IPC, about how mediation works, what parties should do to prepare, and what they can expect to get out of the process.

Multimedia

- Published on Aug 30, 2024

Students sitting in a school hallway, using a laptop.

Commissioner’s blog: Safeguarding privacy as students head back to the classroom

In her latest blog, Commissioner Kosseim writes about the importance of strengthening privacy safeguards for kids as they head back to the classroom.

Blog

- Published on Aug 21, 2024

Thinking Outside the Box: Artificial Intelligence and Municipalities (Commissioner keynote)

Commissioner Kosseim’s keynote at the AMO’s annual conference on the use of AI by municipalities.

Multimedia

- Published on Aug 20, 2024

The Ontario Legislative Building at Queen's Park, Toronto.

Revised Code of Procedure for appeals under FIPPA/MFIPPA: September 9, 2024

The IPC’s revised code of procedure for appeals under FIPPA and MFIPPA goes into effect on September 9, 2024. The code of procedure has been updated to improve timeliness for the processing of appeals and provide greater transparency of the IPC’s procedures when considering appeals.

Published on Aug 9, 2024

A banner reading "New commissioner blog."

New Commissioner’s blog: Ontario’s privacy laws are not a barrier to sharing information in situations involving intimate partner violence

Many IPV professionals feel torn between their obligation of confidentiality to their clients and the urgency to act in situations where an individual is at risk of serious harm. The Commissioner’s latest blog highlights the IPC’s recent guidance aimed at dispelling any misunderstandings...

Blog

- Published on Jul 31, 2024

A maroon banner reading "Info Matters, Season 4 Episode 5."

Latest podcast episode: Information sharing to address intimate partner violence

Information sharing is crucial in situations involving intimate partner violence, but professionals my be hesitant to share information due to misunderstandings about privacy laws. Priya Shastri, Director of Programs at WomanAct, provides insights from the front lines on information sharing...

Multimedia

- Published on Jul 31, 2024

IPC launches new expedited process

We’re working to resolve access appeals and complaints that meet certain criteria more quickly. Learn more about our new expedited process.

Resource

- Published on Jul 9, 2024

A person standing in front of a projected image of a globe. / Personne debout devant l'image projetée d'un globe.

IPC comments on Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act

IPC submission concerning Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, focusing on enhancing cyber security, AI system requirements, and privacy protections within the public sector.

Resource

- Published on Jun 25, 2024

A photo of a doctor using reaching out to use a touch-screen device.

New Info Matters podcast episode! Artificial intelligence in health care

Commissioner Kosseim speaks with Dr. Devin Singh of The Hospital for Sick Children about the use of AI in health care and how to balance innovation with privacy.

Multimedia

- Published on Jun 20, 2024

New guidance: Public sector contracting with third party service providers

Thinking about contracting with a third party service provider? Read the IPC’s new guidance for advice on how to maximize accountability and minimize access and privacy risks.

Resource

- Published on Jun 17, 2024

IPC endorses statement on transparency in the digital age from the International Conference of Information Commissioners

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Patricia Kosseim, has endorsed a statement issued at the 15th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), emphasizing the crucial role of access rights in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen...

News Release

- Published on Jun 13, 2024

A photo of the Ontario Legislative Building at Queen's Park, Toronto.

Information and Privacy Commissioner calls for strengthened access and privacy protections for all Ontarians

TORONTO, ON (June 5, 2024) — Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, Patricia Kosseim , is calling on the Ontario government to strengthen and enhance Ontarians’ access and privacy protections. The recommendation is included in the 2023 annual report of the Office of the Information and...

News Release

- Published on Jun 5, 2024

A digital illustration of two hands reaching toward each other. Text reads, "Sharing information in situations involving intimate partner violence: Guidance for professionals."

New guidance outlines responsible information-sharing practices to help prevent intimate partner violence

Injury or loss of life should never happen because of misunderstandings about privacy laws. Sharing Information in Situations Involving Intimate Partner Violence: Guidance for Professionals assists justice, health, and social services professionals in making informed decisions about privacy...

News Release

- Published on May 28, 2024

A photo of a stethoscope lying on top of medical scrubs.

LifeLabs to appeal court’s decision to release breach investigation report

LifeLabs is seeking leave to appeal a court decision upholding the decision of the Information and Privacy Commissioners of Ontario and British Columbia to publish their joint investigation report concerning the 2019 cyberattack on LifeLabs’ computer systems.

News Release

- Published on May 23, 2024

IPC comments on Bill 188, the Supporting Children's Futures Act

The IPC made recommendations to the Standing Committee on Social Policy in relation to proposed amendments to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. It is the IPC’s position that any changes related to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information must be transparent and matched by a...

Resource

- Published on May 17, 2024