All Guidance and Resources

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.

This post is also available in: French

Title / Description Topic Type Date

IPC comments on Schedule 4 of Bill 157, Enhancing Access to Justice Act

The IPC opposes the repeal of Section 262 of the Community Safety and Policing Act proposed as part of Bill 157, the Enhancing Access to Justice Act. The public consultation requirements in Section 262 are crucial to maintaining transparency and accountability around the regulation-making process for critical policing matters.

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions Feb 20 2024

Submission for Bill 149, the Working for Workers Four Act, 2023, which would amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA)

Commissioner’s speaking remarks. In this letter to Brian Riddell, Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, the IPC makes recommendations in relation to proposed amendments to the Employment...

Advice And Submissions Feb 12 2024

Facial Recognition and Mugshot Databases: Guidance for Police in Ontario

This specific guidance offers practical recommendations for how Ontario police can mitigate potential privacy risks when using or contemplating using facial recognition technology to search mugshot databases. It includes key privacy, transparency, and accountability-related considerations to design, use, and govern such programs responsibly, in Ontario’s current regulatory...

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Professional Guidelines Feb 01 2024

Manual for the Review and Approval of Prescribed Persons and Prescribed Entities

The Manual for the Review and Approval of Prescribed Persons and Prescribed Entities outlines the process followed by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario in reviewing the practices and procedures implemented by prescribed persons and prescribed entities to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the personal health information they receive. The...

Health Best Practices Jan 19 2024

S3-Episode 10: Best of season three

Tune in for riveting conversations about people, privacy, and access to information as Info Matters revisits its most thought-provoking moments from season three. This recap includes a variety of guests talking about cybersecurity, misinformation, genetic data, artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, women’s access rights and more … have a...

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Next-Generation Law Enforcement | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Trust In Digital Health Podcast Jan 18 2024

Letter to the Toronto Police Services Board about facial recognition mugshot database program

IPC comments to the board concerning its review of the Toronto Police Services’ artificial intelligence based, facial recognition mugshot database program.

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions Jan 10 2024

Facial Recognition and Mugshot Databases: Guidance for Police in Ontario

This post is also available in: French

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Professional Guidelines Jan 10 2024

Administrative Monetary Penalties: Guidance for the Health Care Sector

As of January 1, 2024, the IPC has the discretion to issue administrative monetary penalties as part of its enforcement powers for violations of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Download the guidance document to learn more.

Trust In Digital Health Professional Guidelines Jan 01 2024

S3-Episode 9: Empowering young women and girls in the digital world

Networked spaces provide countless opportunities for young people to connect and share ideas and information like never before. But for young women and girls, the online world can be an unfriendly place, fueling self consciousness, self doubt, and fear. University of Ottawa professors Jane Bailey and Valerie Steeves speak about the eQuality project. Its mission is to help...

Children And Youth In A Digital World Podcast Dec 14 2023

Submission for Bill 135, Convenient Care at Home Act, 2023, which would amend the Connecting Care Act, 2019

In this letter to Brian Riddell, Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, the IPC makes recommendations in relation to proposed amendments to the Connecting Care Act, 2019.

Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Nov 20 2023

Digital Privacy Charter for Ontario Schools (poster size)

The IPC wants your feedback! We’ve launched a draft Digital Privacy Charter for Ontario Schools to help educators prepare young people to be safe and responsible digital citizens, and empower them to exercise their privacy and access rights.

Children And Youth In A Digital World Posters Oct 23 2023

Digital Privacy Charter for Ontario Schools (printable)

The IPC wants your feedback! We’ve launched a draft Digital Privacy Charter for Ontario Schools to help educators prepare young people to be safe and responsible digital citizens, and empower them to exercise their privacy and access rights.

Children And Youth In A Digital World Oct 23 2023

Comments and Approach for PHIPA Administrative Penalties

Letter to Ministry of Health on support for and approach to proposed administrative penalties under PHIPA, highlighting their importance in enforcing healthcare privacy and access rights.

Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Oct 17 2023

Letter to the Ministry of the Solicitor General regarding regulatory proposals under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019

The IPC provided comments to the Ministry of the Solicitor General regarding the regulatory proposals under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) following the ministry’s request...

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions Sep 27 2023

Interpretation Bulletin: Search for Responsive Records

This interpretation bulletin addresses the requirement for institutions to conduct a reasonable search for records upon receipt of an access request made under section 24(1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and

Interpretation Bulletins Sep 27 2023

Interpretation Bulletin: Personal Information

This interpretation bulletin outlines how personal information is defined, as set out in section 2(1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and

Interpretation Bulletins Sep 27 2023

Interpretation Bulletin: Fees and Fee Waivers

This interpretation bulletin outlines the fees that an institution may charge a requester, as set out in section 57 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and

Interpretation Bulletins Sep 27 2023

Interpretation Bulletin: Frivolous or Vexatious Requests

This interpretation bulletin outlines factors for determining whether an access to information request is frivolous or vexatious, as set out in section 10(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and

Interpretation Bulletins Sep 27 2023

Interpretation Bulletin: Custody or Control

This interpretation bulletin outlines the factors to determine if a record is in the custody or under the control of an institution, as set out in section 10(1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and

Interpretation Bulletins Sep 27 2023

S3-Episode 6: A woman’s right to know: Closing the gender gap with access to information

Access to government-held information has long been recognized as a fundamental right. Unfortunately, for many women today, getting the information they need to receive benefits or services, help support their families, and engage in civic life remains a struggle. Laura Neuman, a senior advisor with the Carter Center, speaks about closing the gender divide and how access to...

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Podcast Sep 25 2023

Notice of public consultation: Revisions to code of procedure for FIPPA and MFIPPA appeals

The public consultation on proposed revisions to the code of procedure for FIPPA and MFIPPA appeals is now closed.

Sep 22 2023

Code of Procedure for FIPPA and MFIPPA appeals (for public consultation)

The public consultation on proposed revisions to the code of procedure for FIPPA and MFIPPA appeals is now closed.

Sep 22 2023

Submission for the Five-Year Review of the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015

On September 11, 2023, the IPC provided a submission to the Ministry of the Solicitor General as part of the Five-Year Review of the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015. The submission includes eight recommendations on how the police record check regime can be improved to better balance the Ministry’s dual aims of protecting public safety, while also protecting...

Next-Generation Law Enforcement | Surveillance | Technology And Security Advice And Submissions Sep 12 2023

Commissioner Kosseim on “In Conversation with Stephen Hurley”

Host Stephen Hurley scans the education ecosystem, looking for the people and ideas that are starting to change the way we think about teaching, learning, schools and communities.

Sep 11 2023

Notice of change to PHIPA Practice Direction #3

Document Updated: A change to PHIPA Practice Direction #3 took effect on October 10, 2023. Learn more

Health | Trust In Digital Health Practice Directions Sep 06 2023

Letter to the Ministry of the Solicitor General regarding regulatory proposals under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019

The IPC provided comments to the Ministry of the Solicitor General regarding the regulatory proposals under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) following the ministry’s request for public input. In these comments, the IPC offers high-level comments on three proposals that relate to the IPC’s mandate.

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions Sep 05 2023

S3-Episode 5: Co-designing digital health systems with patients and families

Engaging with patients, families, and caregivers can help build a better, more inclusive health system. Betty-Lou Kristy, Chair of the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, speaks about her mission to improve patient care in Ontario by putting patients and families at the center of policy-making. Through their lived experiences in the health system, they work to...

Aug 31 2023

IPC letter on record-keeping concerns raised in Greenbelt report

IPC response to Leader of the Official Opposition Marit Stiles’ concerns about government record keeping practices outlined in Greenbelt report

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions | Letters Aug 29 2023

Submission for the July 2023 Proposed Regulatory Changes to Ontario Regulation 155/18 and 156/18.

The IPC provided comments and recommendations to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services with respect to the summary of proposed regulatory changes to Ontario Regulation 155/18 and 156/18 posted on the Ontario Regulatory Registry on July 13, 2023. Within the submission, the IPC urges the Ministry to ensure that any amendments to expand collection, use or...

Children And Youth In A Digital World Advice And Submissions Aug 28 2023

S3-Episode 4: Ethical Uses of Genetic Data: A Conversation with Dr. Bartha Knoppers

Commissioner Kosseim sits down with Dr. Bartha Knoppers, Director of the Centre for Genomics and Policy at McGill University, to discuss the legal and ethical aspects of genetic research for the greater good.

Trust In Digital Health Podcast Jul 31 2023

Submission for the 2023 5-Year Review of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017

The IPC provided comments and recommendations to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services as part of the 2023 5-Year Review of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017. The IPC’s comments and recommendations are consistent with previous submissions and focus on the goal of strengthening the access and privacy protections afforded to Ontarians...

Children And Youth In A Digital World Advice And Submissions Jul 17 2023

Comments on a regulatory proposal to establish administrative monetary penalties under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)

Letter to the Ontario Ministry of Health describing the IPC’s support for both the maximum amounts for administrative penalties that the commissioner can order, as well as the criteria that the commissioner must consider when levying such penalties as part of order-making power under PHIPA.

Advice And Submissions Jul 07 2023

S3-Episode 3: A casual conversation between two Canadian privacy commissioners

Listen to Commissioners Kosseim and Dufresne speak candidly about some of the challenges and opportunities they face and potential areas for collaboration between their offices. Bilingual episode in English and French.

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Podcast Jul 06 2023

Comments on Schedule 2 of Bill 102, Strengthening Safety and Modernizing Justice Act, 2023

This letter to Goldie Ghamari, Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice Policy, was intended to present the IPC’s privacy-related comments and recommended amendments to Schedule 2 of Bill 102, which, if passed, would expand the regulation-making authority under the Coroners Act, 1990.

Advice And Submissions May 18 2023

Comments on Schedule 1 of Bill 102, Strengthening Safety and Modernizing Justice Act, 2023

This letter to Goldie Ghamari, Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice Policy, was intended to present the IPC’s privacy-related comments and recommendations on Schedule 1 of Bill 102, in relation to proposed amendments to the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA). The legislative amendments support bringing the CSPA into force.

Advice And Submissions May 18 2023

S3-Episode 2: Trust and truth: Navigating the age of misinformation

Misinformation has been called a defining issue of our time, eroding trust in academia, science, and other key pillars of our society. Commissioner Kosseim speaks with Dr. Alex Himelfarb of the Council of Canadian Academies about what we can do about it, and why access to trustworthy, evidence-based information matters more than ever.

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Podcast May 17 2023

Submission on Bill 79, the Working for Workers Act, 2023

This letter to Ernie Hardeman, Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, recommends the Committee to withdraw Schedules 4, 6 and 7 from Bill 79 to give the Ministry additional time to clarify significant ambiguities and address our privacy-related comments in a more holistic manner.

Advice And Submissions Apr 20 2023

Privacy Pursuit Lesson Plan – My Privacy, Your Privacy (Grades 7 – 8)

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World Educational Material Apr 20 2023

Privacy Pursuit Lesson Plan – The Value of Privacy (Grades 6-7)

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World Educational Material Apr 20 2023

Privacy Pursuit Lesson Plan – Protecting Your Privacy (Grades 4-5)

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World Educational Material Apr 20 2023

Privacy Pursuit Lesson Plan – What is Privacy? (Grades 2-3)

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World Educational Material Apr 20 2023

Commissioner Kosseim on “Leadership in the Digital Enterprise”

Commissioner Patricia Kosseim appeared on “Leadership in the Digital Enterprise” on April 6, 2023. The title of this episode was “A conversation with Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, Patricia Kosseim.”

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Podcast Apr 06 2023

Comments on Bill 60, Your Health Act, 2023

This letter to Goldie Ghamari, Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, was intended to present the IPC’s views on how amendments to Bill 60 can better enhance transparency and privacy protections of Ontarians’ information with respect to the Integrated Community Health Services Centres Act, 2023 proposed in Schedule 1, and on “As of Right” health care...

Health | Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Mar 28 2023

S3-Episode 1: Predicting crimes before they occur: not so sci-fi anymore

While it may sound like science fiction, it’s actually happening today. Law enforcement organizations are using data to predict criminal activity before it occurs. Though predictive policing could make crime reduction more efficient, it also raises real risks to privacy and other human rights. Dr. Christopher Parsons, former associate at the University of Toronto’s...

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Podcast Mar 23 2023

Letter to the Ministry of the Solicitor General regarding the regulatory proposals under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019

The IPC provided comments to the Ministry of the Solicitor General regarding the regulatory proposals under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) following the ministry’s request for public input. In these comments, the IPC offers high-level comments on four proposals that relate to the IPC’s mandate.

Advice And Submissions Feb 08 2023

Letter to Dr. Cameron on Inquest File Q2022-10 and Jury Recommendation #78

Commissioner Kosseim’s letter to Dr. Cameron, Office of the Chief Coroner, regarding the IPC’s implementation plans for jury recommendation #78 from Inquest File Q2022-10.

Advice And Submissions Feb 08 2023

Commissioner Kosseim’s letter to Minister Rasheed and Minister McNaughton on the issue of employee monitoring in Ontario

Commissioner Kosseim urges the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to work together to strengthen statutory privacy protections for workers in Ontario.

Advice And Submissions Jan 25 2023

Submission on the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s public inquiry into racial profiling and racial discrimination of Black persons by the Toronto Police Service

This post is also available in: French

Law Enforcement/policing Advice And Submissions Nov 10 2022

Submission on the proposed amendment under PHIPA on the right to access records in electronic format

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Nov 09 2022

S2-Episode 8: Seeing privacy through an equity lens in the child welfare sector

We all have a role to play in supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families in our communities. Misunderstandings about privacy can sometimes make people hesitant to share information about potential abuse or neglect with a children’s aid society. On the flip side, overreporting can lead to unwarranted surveillance of vulnerable and marginalized families. In this...

Podcast Oct 26 2022

How to Protect Against Ransomware

This fact sheet from the IPC discusses how ransomware has become an increasingly dangerous threat to the security of electronic records and provides guidance on how public institutions and healthcare organizations can protect themselves against it.

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Fact Sheets Oct 13 2022

S2-Episode 7: From high school to university: a young person’s perspective on digital privacy

In today’s connected world, children and youth are growing up online, spending more time in front of screens than any generation before them. This episode explores how young people are using digital technologies, what they think about privacy, and how parents, teachers, and regulators can help them develop the skills they need to be informed digital citizens. Commissioner...

Children And Youth In A Digital World Podcast Oct 03 2022

Appeal Form (FIPPA/MFIPPA)

A form for filing an appeal of a decision by a government organization relating to a request made under the provincial or municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. 

Appeal Process Forms Jul 06 2022

S2-Episode 5: In conversation with Jim Balsillie: Data, technology, and public policy

Data is the engine of the modern economy, a key driver of innovation and growth. While the power of data is undeniable, questions emerge about the impact of digital transformation on our human rights, our collective well-being, and the state of our democracy. Commissioner Kosseim speaks with Jim Balsillie, retired co-CEO of Research In Motion (BlackBerry) and founder of the...

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Podcast Jun 01 2022

Review of the Practices and Procedures of the Ministry of Health’s Inter-ministerial Data Integration Unit May 09 2022

S2-Episode 4: Focusing in on police use of body-worn cameras

In recent years a global movement has taken shape, calling for greater scrutiny of interactions between citizens and police. Cameras worn by police officers have emerged as a tool to support greater transparency and accountability, documenting what an officer sees and hears on the job. What are their benefits and risks? How do they impact police-community relations?  And...

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Podcast May 04 2022

Privacy guidance on facial recognition for police agencies (link below) Next-Generation Law Enforcement Best Practices May 02 2022

Submission on Bill 106: Obligations and authorities of Ontario Health Teams and access to records in electronic format

As Schedule 4 of Bill 106, the Pandemic and Emergency Preparedness Act, 2022 (Schedule 4) would amend the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) by introducing new regulation-making powers, the IPC submitted recommendations to  Ernie Hardeman Chair of the Committee Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs to address each of these proposed...

Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Apr 11 2022

Comments on Bill 88, the Working for Workers Act, 2022

This letter to Natalia Kusendova, Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Policy was intended to present the IPC’s views on Schedule 2 of Bill 88, the Working for Workers Act, 2022 on how amendments to Bill 88 can better support its policy objective of enhancing transparency and protecting workers’ privacy.

Advice And Submissions Mar 15 2022

Letter to Dr. Catherine Zahn and Ms. Hillary Hartley regarding Proof of Vaccination Certificates in Ontario

This letter to Dr. Catherine Zahn, Deputy Minister of Health and Ms. Hillary Hartley, Chief Digital and Data Officer offered the IPC’s recommendations to help ensure ongoing protection of the privacy rights of Ontarians as the proof of vaccination certificate initiative continued in the province.

Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Mar 10 2022

Comments on the Toronto Police Services Board’s draft Use of New Artificial Intelligence Technologies Policy

The IPC shared its recommendations with Dr. Dubi Kanengisser, Senior Advisor, Strategic Analysis and Governance, Toronto Police Services Board on the Board’s draft Use of New Artificial Intelligence Technologies Policy. These recommendations were intended to strengthen the Policy and help the Board use AI in a manner that protects privacy, freedom of information, and other...

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions Dec 20 2021

Submission of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on the Proposed Amendment to O. Reg. 329/04 under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) on the right to access records in electronic format

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Dec 03 2021

Submission to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Proposed authority for the collection and use of personal information

With reference to Schedule 4 of Bill 27, the Working for Workers Act, 2021, this letter to Natalia Kusendova, Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Policy urges the Committee to amend Bill 27 to address an important issue about how one of its provisions approaches the collection and use of personal information. The IPC recognized that the amendment would enable effective...

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions Nov 18 2021

Review of Ontario Health: The Prescribed Organization under the Personal Health Information Protection Act

This post is also available in: French

Health Review/registration/authorization Oct 29 2021

Manual for the Review and Approval of Prescribed Organizations

This post is also available in: French

Health Best Practices Oct 18 2021

Submission of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on the Proposed New Guidance for Broad Consent under the Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS2)

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Oct 06 2021

Your Health Information and Your Privacy Rights (Poster)

This post is also available in: French

Health Posters Oct 04 2021

Your Health Information and Your Privacy (Brochure)

This post is also available in: French

Health Brochures Oct 04 2021

Frequently Asked Questions: Health Cards and Health Numbers

Our frequently asked questions on health cards and health numbers clarify who may collect, use or disclose health numbers for health care purposes, as well as the use of health cards as a proof of identity. Originally published November 2004.

Health | Privacy | Trust In Digital Health Professional Guidelines Oct 01 2021

Public interest disclosure

This post is also available in: French

Access Fact Sheets Sep 29 2021

IPC Response to the Ontario government’s public consultation on a “Policy framework for Ontario’s digital identity program”

This post is also available in: French

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions Sep 27 2021

Privacy Pursuit: Games and Activities for Kids

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World Educational Material Sep 23 2021

IPC Response to the Ontario Government’s Consultation on a New Provincial Data Authority

This post is also available in: French

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions Sep 22 2021

IPC Comments on the Ontario Government’s White Paper on Modernizing Privacy in Ontario Privacy Advice And Submissions Sep 07 2021

Use and Disclosure of Personal Health Information for Broader Public Health Purposes

This post is also available in: French

Trust In Digital Health Professional Guidelines Jul 29 2021

Submission to the Ministry of the Solicitor General on Regulation Registry Proposals 21-SOLGEN004, 21-SOLGEN005, 21-SOLGEN011, 21-SOLGEN012, and 21-SOLGEN013

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Jul 26 2021

Model Governance Framework for Police Body-worn Camera Programs in Ontario

This post is also available in: French

Law Enforcement/policing | Next-Generation Law Enforcement Best Practices Jul 07 2021

IPC Comments on the Ontario Government’s Consultation on Ontario’s Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions Jun 07 2021

Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Bill 288, the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021

This post is also available in: French

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions May 25 2021

PHIPA Workbook and Completion Guide

Use this Workbook and Guide as a “how to” tool to complete the statistical report for the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario about requests made under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA).

May 21 2021

PHIPA Breaches Workbook and Completion Guide

This post is also available in: French

Health | Trust In Digital Health May 21 2021

Submission of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario Bill 283, Advancing Oversight and Planning in Ontario’s Health System Act, 2021

This post is also available in: French

Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions May 14 2021

Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Bill 251, the Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021

This post is also available in: French

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions May 13 2021

Digital Health under PHIPA: Selected Overview

This post is also available in: French

Health | Trust In Digital Health Papers May 12 2021

IPC Strategic Priorities 2021-2025

This post is also available in: French

Apr 22 2021

Letter to Melissa Kittmer regarding Proposal Number: 21-SOLGEN001 – PRCs Reform Act, 2015, O. Reg. 347/18 Exemptions, Exemptions Proposal (Instrument Type: Regulation – LGIC)

This post is also available in: French

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions Mar 17 2021

Privacy and security considerations for virtual health care visits

This post is also available in: French

Health | Privacy | Trust In Digital Health Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Feb 25 2021

Letter to Toronto Police Services Board and Toronto Police Service regarding The Governance Framework for Toronto’s Police Body-Worn Camera Program

This post is also available in: French

Law Enforcement/policing | Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions Jan 15 2021

Letter to Toronto Police Services Board re: Toronto Police Services Board Body-Worn Camera Public Consultation

This post is also available in: French

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions Nov 09 2020

Submission to the Government of Ontario regarding the Ontario Private Sector Privacy Reform Discussion Paper

This post is also available in: French

Privacy Advice And Submissions Oct 16 2020

It’s About You: Your File and Your Rights Under Ontario’s Child and Family Services Law (printable brochure)

Print double-sided (flip on short edge) on legal size paper, fold on dotted lines

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Youth Brochures Oct 15 2020

Letter to Michael Maddock regarding Installing COVID Alert app on OPS-issued mobile devices

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Oct 15 2020

Letter to Mayor Tory regarding Installing COVID Alert app on City of Toronto mobile devices

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Oct 15 2020

Letter from Commissioner Kosseim to Toronto Police Service Board regarding Approval of Body-Worn Camera Contract Award and Project Implementation

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Aug 18 2020

Submission of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario to the Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act (British Columbia)

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Aug 14 2020

Letter from Commissioner Kosseim to Toronto Police Services Board on body-worn camera program

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Jul 31 2020

Comments of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on Proposed Interoperability Regulations under PHIPA

This post is also available in: French

Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Jul 24 2020

Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic

This post is also available in: French

Privacy Fact Sheets Jul 23 2020

Comments of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on Proposed Regulation under PHIPA with respect to the Health Data Platform

This post is also available in: French

Health | Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Jul 06 2020

IPC protocol for appeals involving solicitor-client privilege claims where the institution does not provide the records at issue to the IPC

This post is also available in: French

Appeal Process Professional Guidelines Jun 30 2020

The Labour Relations and Employment Exclusion

This post is also available in: French

Access Professional Guidelines Jun 26 2020

Comments of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on Proposed Regulations Under Part V.I of PHIPA

This post is also available in: French

Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Jun 22 2020

Child, Youth and Family Services Act Addendum to the Manual for the Review and Approval of Prescribed Persons and Prescribed Entities

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Privacy | Youth Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Apr 29 2020

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario Submission on Consultation Paper: Strengthening Corporate Beneficial Ownership Transparency in Canada

This post is also available in: French

Advice And Submissions Mar 26 2020

Form to file a privacy complaint under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA)

This post is also available in: French

Privacy Cyfsa Faq | Forms Jan 15 2020

Access and Correction Form under CYFSA

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process | Youth Forms Dec 31 2019

Access/Correction Complaint Form (PHIPA)

This post is also available in: French

Access | Health | Privacy Forms Dec 31 2019

Privacy Complaint Form (FIPPA/MFIPPA)

A form for filing a privacy complaint under the provincial or municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, if you feel your personal information has been improperly collected, used or disclosed by a government organization

Privacy Forms Dec 31 2019

Comments of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on Bill 138

This post is also available in: French

Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Dec 03 2019

IPC’s letter to Minister Lisa M. Thompson regarding the Government of Ontario’s Better, Smarter Government Discussion Paper

This post is also available in: French

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions Nov 28 2019

Providing Access to Personal Information under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act: A Guide for Service Providers

This post is also available in: French

Access | Children And Youth In A Digital World | Youth Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Nov 27 2019

Privacy Complaint Report MC17-32

Privacy Complaint MC17-32

Privacy Reports | Special Reports Nov 22 2019

Know Your Rights: Your File and Your Rights Under Ontario’s Child and Family Services Law

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Youth Brochures Oct 21 2019

Guidelines for Submitting Annual Statistics to the IPC

Guidelines for service providers under Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act

Youth Professional Guidelines Oct 17 2019

Reporting a Privacy Breach to the Information and Privacy Commissioner: Guidelines for Service Providers

Guidelines for service providers under Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act

Youth Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Oct 17 2019

It’s About You: Your File and Your Rights Under Ontario’s Child and Family Services Law (brochure)

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Youth Brochures Oct 17 2019

It’s About You: Your File and Your Rights Under Ontario’s Child and Family Services Law (poster)

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Youth Posters Oct 17 2019

IPC letter to Minister Lisa M. Thompson regarding the Government of Ontario’s Creating Economic Benefits Discussion Paper

This post is also available in: French

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions Oct 15 2019

Coroners Act Addendum to the Manual for the Review and Approval of Prescribed Persons and Prescribed Entities

This post is also available in: French

Privacy Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Oct 03 2019

IPC letter to Minister Lisa M. Thompson regarding Government of Ontario’s “Promoting Trust and Confidence in Ontario’s Data Economy” discussion paper

This post is also available in: French

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions Sep 17 2019

Reporting a Privacy Breach to the IPC: Guidelines for the Health Sector

This post is also available in: French

Health | Privacy | Trust In Digital Health Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 17 2019

Privacy Breaches: Guidelines for Public Sector Organizations

This post is also available in: French

Privacy Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 05 2019

Practice Direction #9 – Constitutional questions

This post is also available in: French

Access | Appeal Process Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Aug 21 2019

Police record checks

This post is also available in: French

Access | Next-Generation Law Enforcement Fact Sheets Aug 12 2019

Release of personal information to police: your privacy rights

This post is also available in: French

Law Enforcement/policing | Next-Generation Law Enforcement | Privacy Fact Sheets Aug 12 2019

Protect Against Phishing

This post is also available in: French

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Technology And Security Fact Sheets Jul 04 2019

Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act: A Guide to Access and Privacy for Service Providers

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Youth Professional Guidelines May 13 2019

Accessing Your Deceased Relative’s Personal Information

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process | Health | Personal Information | Privacy Fact Sheets Apr 24 2019

Succession Planning to Help Prevent Abandoned Records

This post is also available in: French

Health | Trust In Digital Health Fact Sheets Apr 15 2019

Comments of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on Bill 74

This post is also available in: French

Health | Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Mar 29 2019

Avoiding Abandoned Health Records: Guidance for Health Information Custodians Changing Practice

This post is also available in: French

Health | Trust In Digital Health Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Feb 26 2019

Dispelling Some Myths about the Personal Health Information Protection Act

This post is also available in: French

Health Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Feb 15 2019

Privacy and Access to Information in Ontario Schools: A Guide for Educators (Fact Sheet)

This post is also available in: French

Access | Children And Youth In A Digital World | Privacy | Youth Best Practices | Brochures | Fact Sheets Jan 10 2019

Privacy in the School (Fact Sheet)

This post is also available in: French

Access | Children And Youth In A Digital World | Privacy | Youth Best Practices | Brochures | Fact Sheets Jan 10 2019

Protecting Your Students’ Privacy Online (Fact Sheet)

This post is also available in: French

Access | Children And Youth In A Digital World | Privacy | Youth Best Practices | Brochures | Fact Sheets Jan 10 2019

Your Child’s Privacy in School (Fact Sheet)

This post is also available in: French

Access | Children And Youth In A Digital World | Privacy | Youth Best Practices | Brochures | Fact Sheets Jan 10 2019

A Guide to Privacy and Access in Ontario Schools

This post is also available in: French

Access | Children And Youth In A Digital World | Privacy | Youth Best Practices | Brochures | Fact Sheets Jan 10 2019

Disclosure of Personal Information to Law Enforcement

This post is also available in: French

Law Enforcement/policing | Next-Generation Law Enforcement | Privacy Fact Sheets Nov 22 2018

Responding to a Health Privacy Breach: Guidelines for the Health Sector

This publication replaces the guidance document, What to do When Faced With a Privacy Breach: Guidelines for the Health Sector.

Health | Trust In Digital Health Best Practices | Papers | Professional Guidelines Oct 04 2018

Access Fact Sheet: Third Party Information Exemption

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process Fact Sheets Sep 26 2018

Privacy Fact Sheet: General Data Protection Regulation

This post is also available in: French

Legislation | Privacy Fact Sheets Jul 11 2018

Lesson Plan: Privacy Rights of Children and Teens

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Personal Information | Privacy | Technology And Security | Youth Educational Material Jun 18 2018

Lesson Plan: Know the Deal: The Value of Privacy

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Personal Information | Privacy | Technology And Security | Youth Educational Material Jun 18 2018

Lesson Plan: Getting the Toothpaste Back into the Tube: A Lesson on Online Information

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Personal Information | Privacy | Technology And Security | Youth Educational Material Jun 18 2018

Fees, Fee Estimates and Fee Waivers

This post is also available in: French

Access Request Process Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Jun 11 2018

Smart Cities and Your Privacy Rights

This post is also available in: French

Privacy | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Technology And Security Fact Sheets Apr 27 2018

Joint Federal Provincial Territorial Letter to Minister of Infrastructure and Communities on Smart Cities Challenge

This post is also available in: French

Privacy | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Technology And Security Letters Apr 26 2018

Disposing of Your Electronic Media

This fact sheet provides guidance on how Ontario public institutions and health information custodians can securely destroy personal information when disposing of electronic media.

Information Management | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Technology And Security Best Practices | Fact Sheets Mar 06 2018

Privacy by Design

This post is also available in: French

Privacy Papers Jan 30 2018

Comments of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on the Proposed Regulation under Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017

Comments from the Information and Privacy Commissioner on the proposed regulation under Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Legislation | Youth Advice And Submissions Jan 22 2018

Comments of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on Bill 160

This post is also available in: French

Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Nov 20 2017

Annual Reporting of Privacy Breach Statistics to the Commissioner – Requirements for the Health Sector

This post is also available in: French

Health | Legislation | Privacy | Trust In Digital Health Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Nov 10 2017

Joint Federal Provincial Territorial Letter to Council of Ministers of Education on the Importance of Privacy Education

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Privacy | Technology And Security | Youth Letters Nov 08 2017

IPC 2017 GPEN Sweep Report: Online Educational Services

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Personal Information | Privacy | Technology And Security | Youth Best Practices | Reports Oct 24 2017

Frivolous and Vexatious Requests

This post is also available in: French

Access Request Process Fact Sheets Aug 22 2017

Guidance on the Use of Automated Licence Plate Recognition Systems by Police Services

This guidance document outlines the key obligations of police under privacy legislation in their use of ALPR systems and provides guidance, including best practices, on using these systems in a privacy-protective manner.  It addresses the use of ALPR systems for public safety purposes, in particular for the purpose of alerting an officer in an ALPR-equipped vehicle to the...

Law Enforcement/policing | Privacy | Technology And Security Best Practices | Papers | Professional Guidelines Jul 04 2017

Big Data Guidelines

This post is also available in: French

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Professional Guidelines May 17 2017

Comments of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on the Proposed Open Meeting Amendments in Bill 68

This post is also available in: French

Apr 11 2017

Fact Sheet: Reasonable Search

This fact sheet answers some frequently asked questions about reasonable searches for records.

Access | Access Request Process | Appeal Process Fact Sheets | Professional Guidelines Apr 11 2017

Submission to the Standing Committee on Bill 89, Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017

Commissioner Brian Beamish presented his submission on Bill 89, Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017 to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy on Thursday, March 30, 2017.

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Legislation Advice And Submissions Mar 30 2017

Submission to the Standing Committee on Bill 84, Medical Assistance in Dying Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017

Commissioner Brian Beamish presented this submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on March 23, 2017.

Mar 23 2017

Open Government and Protecting Privacy

The IPC strongly supports Open Government initiatives and encourages Ontario institutions to be more open and transparent, and to enhance their engagement with the public. This document offers guidance for institutions on how to move towards increased government transparency without negatively affecting individuals’ privacy.

Open Government | Privacy | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Special Reports Mar 15 2017

Collection, Use and Disclosure Complaint Form (PHIPA)

This post is also available in: French

Health | Privacy Forms Feb 28 2017

Code of Procedure for Matters under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004

PHIPA Code of Procedure

Health | Legislation Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Feb 28 2017

PHIPA Practice Direction #5: Collection, Use, and Disclosure Complaint Form

This post is also available in: French

Health Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Feb 28 2017

PHIPA Practice Direction #4: Access/Correction Complaint Form

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process | Health Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Feb 28 2017

PHIPA Practice Direction #2: Responding to a Request for Access to Personal Health Information

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Feb 28 2017

PHIPA Practice Direction #1: Clarifying Access Requests

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process | Health Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Feb 28 2017

Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Schedule 2 of Bill 59, Putting Consumers First Act, 2016

Commissioner Brian Beamish submitted comments to the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Bill 59, Schedule 2 of Bill 59, Putting Consumers First Act, 2016.

Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions Feb 08 2017

PHIPA Practice Direction #3: Publicly Released Decisions Under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004

This post is also available in: French

Access | Health Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Feb 01 2017

Big Data and Your Privacy Rights

The emergence of big data as a tool to manage and analyze large and complex data sets offers great promise and opportunity, but also raises serious privacy challenges and considerations, especially to personal privacy. Public and health sector institutions increasingly use big data tools to improve programs and public services and ensure they are supported by better...

Privacy | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Fact Sheets Jan 25 2017

The Privacy Protective Roadmap-Issues and solutions in the context of a collaborative service delivery development: The Situation Table

Next-Generation Law Enforcement Webinars Dec 06 2016

Think Before You Click Poster (8.5×14)

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Personal Information | Youth Fact Sheets Nov 25 2016

Think Before You Click Poster (8.5×11)

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Personal Information | Youth Fact Sheets Nov 25 2016

Online Educational Services: What Educators Need to Know

This post is also available in: French

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Personal Information | Youth Brochures | Professional Guidelines Nov 25 2016

Submission to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on Bill 41, Patients First Act, 2016

This submission addresses the privacy implications of the proposed Bill. The goal of our recommendations is to enhance the protection of personal health information of Ontarians.

Health | Personal Information Advice And Submissions Nov 23 2016

Fact Sheet: Video Surveillance

This fact sheet highlights the important factors an institution must consider before implementing a video surveillance system.

Privacy | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Surveillance | Technology And Security Best Practices | Fact Sheets | Professional Guidelines Nov 09 2016

Improving Access and Privacy with Records and Information Management

This guidance is designed to help institutions implement better record and information management practices and enhance the public’s ability to access information.

Access | Access Request Process | Appeal Process | Legislation | Open Government | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Best Practices | Papers | Professional Guidelines Nov 03 2016

Fact Sheet: What is Personal Information?

This fact sheet explains the meaning of the term “personal information,” and answers frequently asked questions.

Access | Access Request Process | Personal Information | Privacy Fact Sheets | Professional Guidelines Oct 20 2016

Your Business is Affected by a Freedom of Information Request: What You Should Know

This fact sheet outlines what to expect when an institution contacts you about an access request, your options for appeal, and other frequently asked questions. This document is part of a series designed to keep the public and professionals up to date with the IPC’s interpretations of access and privacy laws.

Access | Access Request Process Fact Sheets Oct 04 2016

Investigation into Records Management Practices at TO2015

Full report on the Commissioner’s investigation into the records management practices of the Toronto Organizing Committee for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games (TO2015).

Access Special Reports Sep 29 2016

You are Affected by a Freedom of Information Request: What You Should Know

This fact sheet seeks to answer some of the common questions you may have about the freedom of information process. This document is part of a series designed to keep the public and professionals up to date with the IPC’s interpretations of access and privacy laws.

Access | Appeal Process | Privacy Best Practices | Fact Sheets Sep 26 2016

Fact Sheet: Communicating Personal Health Information by Email

This fact sheet describes the risks of using email and custodians’ obligations under the Personal Health Information Protection Act. It outlines some of the technical, physical and administrative safeguards needed to protect personal health information when communicating by email and the policies, procedures and training custodians should have in place.

Health | Technology And Security | Trust In Digital Health Best Practices | Fact Sheets | Professional Guidelines Sep 15 2016

Open Government: Key Implementation Considerations

This guidance document provides institutions with an overview of important factors to consider when implementing Open Government including the need for institutional leadership, commitment, governance and resources to support culture change and sustain the program over time, learning from others, engaging both internal and external users, and meeting legal...

Open Government | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Papers Sep 06 2016

Open Government: Key Concepts and Benefits

This guidance paper is intended as a starting point for institutions considering Open Government and highlights two critical goals: enhancing access to government-held information and public participation.  It includes a discussion about making government-held information open by default and at little or no cost, and ways to enable a true two-way dialogue with the...

Access | Open Government | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Papers | Professional Guidelines Sep 05 2016

Speaking Engagement Request Form

This post is also available in: French

Aug 19 2016

De-identification Guidelines for Structured Data

This document highlights the key issues to consider when de-identifying personal information in the form of structured data and it provides a step-by-step process that institutions can follow when removing personal information from data sets.

Information Management | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Best Practices Jun 08 2016

Instant Messaging and Personal Email Accounts: Meeting Your Access and Privacy Obligations

This document was developed to help Ontario’s public institutions manage the use of instant messaging and personal email accounts when doing business. All public servants should be aware records relating to an institution’s business that are created, sent or received through instant messaging or personal email accounts are subject to Ontario’s access and privacy laws....

Access | Privacy Papers Jun 07 2016

Submission to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services on its Strategy for a Safer Ontario

Submission to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services on its Strategy for a Safer Ontario

Law Enforcement/policing | Next-Generation Law Enforcement | Privacy Advice And Submissions Apr 29 2016

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Councillors’ records

Our office is sometimes required to decide access to information appeals relating to requests for records held by municipal councillors. Unfortunately, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) does not expressly refer to records of municipal councillors.

Access | Legislation | Privacy Fact Sheets Apr 22 2016

Submission of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy on Bill 119

Submission of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy on Bill 119: The Health Information Protection Act, 2015.

Health | Trust In Digital Health Advice And Submissions Mar 03 2016

Thinking About Clouds? Privacy, security and compliance considerations for Ontario public sector institutions

The IPC has prepared this new guidance document, Thinking About Clouds? Privacy, security and compliance considerations for Ontario public sector institutions, to help institutions evaluate whether cloud computing services are suitable for their information management needs. In particular, it seeks to raise awareness of the risks associated with using cloud computing...

Privacy | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Technology And Security Professional Guidelines Feb 20 2016

Yes, You Can. Dispelling the Myths About Sharing Information with Children’s Aid Societies

Common misunderstandings about privacy are frequently cited as reasons for not sharing information with a children’s aid society (CAS) about a child who may be at risk. In fact, Ontario law permits professionals working with children to share this information. To help professionals understand that privacy is not a barrier to disclosing this important information, the IPC...

Children And Youth In A Digital World | Law Enforcement/policing | Legislation | Privacy | Youth Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Jan 20 2016

FIPPA and MFIPPA: Bill 8 — The Recordkeeping Amendments

Bill 8, the Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act, 2014, will come into effect on January 1, 2016.

Access | Information Management | Legislation Best Practices | Papers Dec 22 2015

Letter and Submission to the Honourable Yasir Naqvi, on Draft Street Checks Regulations

Letter and submission from the IPC to the the Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the Commissioner offers recommendations on the draft regulation proposed on October 28, 2015, which seeks to regulate the practice of police street checks across the province.

Law Enforcement/policing Advice And Submissions Dec 11 2015

IPC Submission on Draft Street Checks Regulations

Submission from the IPC to the the Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the Commissioner offers recommendations on the draft regulation proposed on October 28, 2015, which seeks to regulate the practice of police street checks across the province.

Law Enforcement/policing | Next-Generation Law Enforcement Advice And Submissions Dec 11 2015

MFIPPA Workbook and Completion Guide

This workbook and guide is designed to provide step-by-step instructions for the completion of the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s (IPC) Year-End Statistical Report as required by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

Nov 24 2015

FIPPA Workbook and Completion Guide

This workbook and guide is designed to provide step-by-step instructions for the completion of the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s (IPC) Year-End Statistical Report as required by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Nov 24 2015

Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy: Police Record Checks Reform Act

This post is also available in: French

Law Enforcement/policing Advice And Submissions Nov 05 2015

Frequently Asked Questions: Personal Health Information Protection Act

This revised FAQ has a new look and feel and has been rewritten with cleaner, easy to understand, gender-neutral language. Also included are a few additions to the original publication:

Health | Legislation | Privacy | Trust In Digital Health Best Practices Nov 02 2015

Submission to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly: e-Petitions

This post is also available in: French

Open Government | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Advice And Submissions Oct 21 2015

Guidelines for the Use of Video Surveillance

 

Privacy | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Surveillance Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Oct 06 2015

Open Contracting: Proactive Disclosure of Procurement Records

 

Access | Open Government | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government Papers | Professional Guidelines Sep 21 2015

Circle of Care: Sharing Personal Health Information for Health-Care Purposes

This document was thoroughly reviewed and updated in August, 2015, introducing clear and easy to understand gender-neutral language.

Health | Trust In Digital Health Professional Guidelines Aug 16 2015

Transparency, Privacy and the Internet: Municipal Balancing Acts

Municipalities are turning to the Internet as a means of making information public in an effort to improve accessibility, transparency and accountability. This may include publishing records directly to their website or including records in searchable databases that can be accessed online. Publishing materials online is an effective means of ensuring that the public has...

Legislation | Privacy | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Technology And Security Papers | Professional Guidelines Aug 04 2015

Planning for Success PIA Worksheets

This post is also available in: French

May 19 2015

Planning for Success: Privacy Impact Assessment Guide

Ontario public sector institutions must meet high standards of care and trust whenever collecting, using and disclosing personal and other sensitive information. Any public institution considering new information technologies, systems, and program services that may affect privacy are strongly encouraged to complete a privacy impact assessment...

Access | Information Management | Privacy | Technology And Security Professional Guidelines May 19 2015

Best Practices for Protecting Individual Privacy in Conducting Survey Research

 

Information Management | Privacy Best Practices | Papers | Professional Guidelines Apr 07 2015

Guidance for the Use of Body-Worn Cameras by Law Enforcement Authorities

This guidance document aims to identify some of the privacy considerations law enforcement authorities should take into account when deciding whether to outfit law enforcement officers with body-worn cameras. Published by the federal Privacy Commissioner and privacy and personal information protection Ombudspersons and Commissioners in all provinces and territories, the...

Access | Law Enforcement/policing | Next-Generation Law Enforcement | Privacy Best Practices | Papers | Professional Guidelines Feb 18 2015

Detecting and Deterring Unauthorized Access to Personal Health Information

Unauthorized access continues to be a growing problem in the health sector in Ontario. The province’s Personal Health Information Protection Act, (PHIPA), permits health information custodians (HIC) to collect, use and disclose personal health information for the purposes of providing or assisting in the provision of health care based on implied or assumed implied consent...

Health | Privacy | Trust In Digital Health Best Practices | Papers | Professional Guidelines Jan 28 2015

De-identification Protocols: Essential for Protecting Privacy

Information is becoming far more valuable as businesses seek to learn more about their customers and those of their competitors, and as advertisers seek to gain a competitive advantage by finding new and innovative ways to use information to target advertisements that are most relevant to their consumers.

Information Management | Privacy | Privacy And Transparency In A Modern Government | Technology And Security Papers | Professional Guidelines Jun 25 2014

Freedom and Control: Engineering a New Paradigm for the Digital World

Privacy and cybersecurity professionals, creators of digital property, and countless policy-makers have spent decades fighting to civilize the digital world, but they have lacked the most fundamental tool they need to succeed, namely — information systems engineering that enables true control of digital data.

It is now possible to change the paradigm of the...

Information Management | Privacy | Technology And Security Papers May 08 2014

Privacy Exposures and Risk Reduction Strategies for Small Organizations

As a small business becomes more networked and data-intensive, personal information and customer trust are critical assets that must be protected. This paper was written to help small business avoid data breaches that are harmful to both brand reputation and costly. Privacy policies and procedures alone, without a concrete strategy for implementation, will not protect an...

Privacy Papers Oct 22 2013

A Primer on Metadata: Separating Fact from Fiction

Since the recent revelations of the NSA’s sweeping surveillance of the public’s metadata, the term “metadata” has been regularly used in the media, frequently without any explanation of its meaning. Metadata’s reach can be extensive – including information that reveals the time and duration of a communication, the particular devices used, email addresses, or...

Information Management | Technology And Security Papers Jul 17 2013

Dispelling the Myths Under the Personal Health Information Protection Act

There are many myths surrounding how information may be collected, used and disclosed under the Personal Health Information Protection Act. Working with our partners in the health care community, we have created this one-page document to dispel some of the more common myths.

Health | Privacy Best Practices | Papers | Professional Guidelines Sep 28 2012

A Policy is Not Enough: It Must be Reflected in Concrete Practices

Privacy policies and procedures alone, without a concrete strategy for implementation, will not protect an organization from privacy risks. The policies and procedures must be actively communicated, and staff must be educated about measures that need to be in place, so that policies will be reflected in actions. This paper sets out a series of seven steps that organizations...

Privacy Papers Sep 05 2012

Privacy and Drones: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) present unique challenges due to their ability to use a variety of sensors to gather information from unique vantage points – often for long periods and on a continuous basis. The prospect of having our every move monitored, and possibly recorded, raises profound civil liberty and privacy concerns. At the same time, there are many desirable...

Privacy | Technology And Security Papers Aug 16 2012

Fact Sheet #18 – Secure Transfer of Personal Health Information

In Order HO-011, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) ordered Cancer Care Ontario to discontinue its practice of transferring records of personal health information relating to its colon cancer screening program in paper format, after several courier packages containing the personal health information of over 7,000 individuals were lost. Cancer Care...

Health | Information Management | Privacy | Technology And Security Aug 01 2012

Identity Theft: A Crime of Opportunity

Practical information about identity theft, how to avoid it, and what to do if you find you are a victim.

Privacy | Technology And Security Brochures Jul 17 2012

Mobile Near Field Communications (NFC) “Tap ‘n Go” – Keep it Secure and Private

This paper examines Near Field Communications (NFC) technologies and their growing deployment in mobile devices. Four consumer use cases illustrate NFC functionalities and benefits. Privacy and security risks are identified, and solutions are offered for NFC mobile device and application developers that are informed by the Privacy by Design Foundational Principles. ...

Privacy | Technology And Security Papers Nov 28 2011

What Students Need to Know – Grade 11 & 12 Teacher’s Guide

Other Resources: Grade 11/12 Fact Sheet

Privacy | Youth Educational Material Sep 27 2011

Applying PHIPA and FIPPA to Personal Health Information: Guide for Hospitals

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process | Health | Legislation Brochures | Educational Material Apr 20 2011

Fact Sheet #17 – Applying PHIPA and FIPPA/MFIPPA to Personal Health Information

The purpose of this Fact Sheet is to provide organizations that are defined as both health information custodians under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and institutions under public sector privacy and access to information legislation, namely the provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)...

Access | Access Request Process | Health | Privacy Educational Material | Fact Sheets Apr 19 2011

What Students Need to Know – Grade 10 Teacher’s Guide

Other Resources: Grade 10 Fact Sheet

Access | Privacy | Youth Educational Material Dec 06 2010

Fact Sheet #16 – Health-Care Requirement for Strong Encryption

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, in Order HO-004 and Order HO-007, required that health information be safeguarded at all times, specifically by ensuring that any personal health information stored on any mobile devices (e.g., laptops, memory sticks, PDAs) be strongly encrypted.This Fact Sheet paper provides a working definition of strong encryption...

Health | Privacy | Technology And Security Educational Material | Fact Sheets Jul 16 2010

A Positive-Sum Paradigm in Action in the Health Sector

Health information custodians frequently rely on de-identification when using or disclosing health information – a measure that can protect individual privacy, but often at the expense of data quality (zero-sum paradigm). Dr. Khaled El Emam, a senior investigator at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO), has resolved this dilemma through...

Health | Privacy Papers Mar 30 2010

A Discussion Paper on Privacy Externalities, Security Breach Notification and the Role of Independent Oversight

Prepared for The Eighth Workshop on the Economics of Information Security University College, London, England June 24, 2009

Privacy Papers Dec 22 2009

Online Privacy: Make Youth Awareness and Education a Priority

This paper is a chronicle describing the IPC’s work to enhance awareness about the privacy challenges youth face on the Internet.

Privacy | Youth Papers Mar 25 2009

Adding an On/Off Device to Activate the RFID in Enhanced Driver’s Licences: Pioneering a Made-in-Ontario Transformative Technology that Delivers Both Privacy and Security

This discussion paper describes the IPC’s work in toward the implementation of an on/off device allowing holders of an Enhanced Drivers Licence (EDL) to prevent the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) from being read by unauthorized third parties and disengage the RFID when not required for border-crossing purposes

Privacy | Technology And Security Papers Mar 19 2009

Practice Tool for Exercising Discretion: Emergency Disclosure of Personal Information by Universities, Colleges and other Educational Institutions

In emergency situations, privacy laws in Ontario and British Columbia1 do not prohibit universities, colleges or other educational institutions from responsibly disclosing a student’s

Information Management | Legislation | Privacy Best Practices | Papers Oct 30 2008

Your Rights under Ontario’s Freedom of Information Laws Access | Access Request Process | Legislation Educational Material Jul 24 2008

RFID and Privacy: Guidance for Health-Care Providers

RFID and Privacy: Guidance for Health-Care Providers. RFID technology can help save lives – and preserve privacy.

Health | Privacy Papers Jan 23 2008

Practice Direction #12 – Accommodating persons with disabilities

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process | Privacy Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Nov 27 2007

Reference Check: Is Your Boss Watching? The New World of Social Media: Privacy and Your Facebook Profile

Social networking websites such as Facebook are now so popular that they are being used by employers to screen prospects. Information you post on your profile for the amusement of you and your friends may, therefore, be viewed in a different light. This short paper cautions users of these sites about this growing trend in use of these sites and offers tips on how to reduce...

Privacy | Technology And Security Oct 24 2007

Privacy Guidelines for Municipalities Regulating Businesses Dealing in Second-hand Goods

Commissioner Ann Cavoukian prepared these Guidelines to provide Ontario municipalities with a framework to meet the privacy requirements under MFIPPA.

Open Government | Privacy Professional Guidelines Sep 14 2007

Safeguarding Privacy on Mobile Devices

A brochure outlining suggested best practices for securing mobile devices (PDAs, laptops, etc.) and protecting the information carried out of the workplace on them. Steps are organized into sections: Before you Walk out of the Workplace, While you are Out and When You have Completed Your Work. Includes a checklist and list of IPC resources.

Health | Privacy Brochures | Professional Guidelines Jun 14 2007

Safeguarding Privacy on Mobile Devices

A brochure outlining suggested best practices for securing mobile devices (PDAs, laptops, etc.) and protecting the information carried out of the workplace on them. Steps are organized into sections: Before you Walk out of the Workplace, While you are Out and When You have Completed Your Work. Includes a checklist and list of IPC resources. Revised: May 2014 ...

Privacy | Technology And Security Jun 14 2007

Fact Sheet #13 – Wireless Communications Technologies: Video Surveillance Systems

Fact Sheet about the use of wireless CCTV cameras.

Privacy | Surveillance | Technology And Security Fact Sheets Jun 07 2007

Mediation Best Practices for Institutions

This post is also available in: French

Access Request Process Best Practices Jan 19 2007

Mediation Tips for Institutions

This post is also available in: French

Access | Appeal Process Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Jan 19 2007

Mediation checklist

This post is also available in: French

Appeal Process | Open Government Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Jan 19 2007

Breach Notification Assessment Tool

This document assists organizations in making key decisions about notifying individuals after a privacy breach occurs by presenting checklists covering factors affecting whether to notify, when and how to notify, what to include in a notification and other organizations that should be contacted. The document was produced jointly by the Office of the Information and Privacy...

Information Management | Privacy Papers Dec 11 2006

Practice Direction #1 – Providing records to the IPC during an appeal

Practice Direction #1 – Providing records to the IPC during an appeal

Practice Directions Apr 06 2006

Practice Direction #10 – Appeal fees

Practice Direction #10 – Appeal fees

Access | Appeal Process Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Apr 06 2006

Practice Direction #11 – Appeal Form

This post is also available in: French

Access | Appeal Process Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Apr 06 2006

Practice Direction #8 – Reasonable Search Appeals and Fee Appeals

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process | Appeal Process Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Apr 06 2006

Practice Direction #6 – Affidavit and other evidence

This post is also available in: French

Access | Appeal Process | Legislation Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Apr 06 2006

Practice Direction #5 – Guidelines for institutions in making representations

This post is also available in: French

Access | Appeal Process Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Apr 06 2006

Practice Direction #3 – Guidelines for individuals whose personal information is at issue in an appeal

This post is also available in: French

Appeal Process Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Apr 06 2006

Practice Direction #4 – Guidelines for parties whose commercial or business information is at issue in an appeal

This post is also available in: French

Appeal Process Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Apr 06 2006

Providing records to the IPC during an appeal

This post is also available in: French

Appeal Process Apr 06 2006

Practice Direction #2 – Participating in a written FIPPA or MFIPPA inquiry

Revised February 2012

Access | Privacy Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Apr 06 2006

Practice Direction #7 – Sharing of representations

Revised March 2014

Appeal Process Best Practices | Practice Directions | Professional Guidelines Apr 06 2006

Access to Information under Ontario’s Information and Privacy Acts

Information on how to file an access to information request under FIPPA or MFIPPA.

Access | Legislation Brochures Apr 01 2006

Fact Sheet #11- Health Information Custodians Working for Non-Health Information Custodians

This post is also available in: French

Health | Privacy Fact Sheets Feb 01 2006

Fact Sheet #10 – Secure Destruction of Personal Information

This post is also available in: French

Information Management | Privacy Fact Sheets Dec 04 2005

Drafting a Letter Responding to a Request for Information

This post is also available in: French

Access | Open Government Professional Guidelines Nov 04 2005

IPC Practices No. 1 – Drafting a Letter Refusing Access to a Record

Tip sheet for government organizations on handling information

Access | Access Request Process Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Nov 04 2005

Privacy Impact Assessment Guidelines for the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act

This post is also available in: French

Health | Privacy Professional Guidelines Oct 16 2005

Request to Correct Personal Health Information (PHIPA)

A generic request form for filing a request to correct your personal health information held by a health information custodian. This request form should be submitted directly to the health information custodian.

Health Forms Oct 03 2005

Fact Sheet #09 – Long-term Care Homes: Consent and Access under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004

This post is also available in: French

Access | Health Fact Sheets Oct 01 2005

What Students Need to Know – Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide

This guide focuses on introducing students to the importance of the public values of access to government-held information and personal privacy.

Privacy | Youth Educational Material Sep 01 2005

Authorization to Act as an Agent for Appeal (FIPPA/MFIPPA)

A form to be signed by an appellant who is represented by someone other than a lawyer in an appeal relating to a request for general information or for the appellant’s personal information/correction of personal information.

Appeal Process | Legislation Forms Jul 11 2005

Authorization to Act as an Agent For A Complaint under the Personal Health Information Protection Act

A form to be signed by a complainant who is represented by someone other than a lawyer.

Health | Legislation | Privacy Forms Jul 11 2005

Fact Sheet #08 – Lock-box Fact Sheet

This post is also available in: French

Health | Privacy Fact Sheets Jul 01 2005

Fact Sheet #07 – Disclosure of Information Permitted in Emergency or other Urgent Circumstances

This post is also available in: French

Health | Privacy Fact Sheets Jul 01 2005

Privacy and the Open Networked Enterprise

Updated: December 2006.

Information Management | Privacy Papers Jun 01 2005

Fact Sheet #06 – Reporting Requests under PHIPA

Revised October 2012

Health Fact Sheets Apr 01 2005

Fact Sheet #04 – Fundraising under PHIPA

Revised Sept. 2014.

Health Fact Sheets Apr 01 2005

Fact Sheet #02 – Your health information – Your access and correction rights

This post is also available in: French

Access | Health Fact Sheets Jan 01 2005

Fact Sheet #01 – Safeguarding Personal Health Information

This post is also available in: French

Health | Privacy Fact Sheets Jan 01 2005

Request to Access Personal Health Information (PHIPA)

A generic request form for filing a request for access to your personal health information held by a health information custodian. This request form should be submitted directly to the health information custodian.

Access | Access Request Process | Health Forms Jan 01 2005

Access and Correction Complaints – Personal Health Information Protection Act

This brochure provides information on complaints about access or correction of personal health information under PHIPA.

Access | Health Brochures | Educational Material Dec 16 2004

Collection, Use, Disclosure and Other Complaints – Personal Health Information Protection Act

This brochure provides information about collection, use, disclosure and other complaints under PHIPA.

Health | Privacy Brochures | Educational Material Dec 01 2004

A Guide to the Personal Health Information Protection Act

This guide is a tool to help health information custodians understand their rights and obligations under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, (PHIPA).

Health | Privacy Papers Dec 01 2004

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

The public consultation on proposed revisions to the code of procedure for FIPPA and MFIPPA appeals is now closed.

Appeal Process | Privacy Professional Guidelines Oct 14 2004

Providing Records to the IPC during an Appeal

This post is also available in: French

Appeal Process Professional Guidelines Oct 01 2004

The Personal Health Information Protection Act and Your Privacy

[Revised February 2019]

Health | Privacy Brochures Oct 01 2004

Grade 11/12 Brochure – What Students Need to Know About Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

The brochure explains the IPC’s outreach program to schools in Ontario, specifically for grades 11/12

Legislation | Youth Brochures | Educational Material Sep 01 2004

What Students Need to Know – A Resource for Grade 11/12 Teachers

Program focuses on introducing students to the importance of the public values of access to government-held information and personal privacy. Expanded program for Grade 11/12.

Legislation | Privacy | Youth Educational Material Sep 01 2004

Promoting Transparency through the Electronic Dissemination of Information

An IPC paper prepared for the Symposium on E-Governance for the 21st Century, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy. It has been included as a chapter in E-Government Reconsidered: Transformation of Governance for the Knowledge Age, a book published in April, 2004.

Open Government Papers Apr 01 2004

The Advantages of Electronically Processing Freedom of Information Requests: The MNR Experience

Produced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Access | Access Request Process Papers Apr 01 2004

Best Practices for Institutions in Mediating Appeals under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

A Joint Project of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Appeal Process Best Practices | Papers Mar 01 2004

IPC Practices No. 15 – Clarifying Access Requests

Tip sheet for government organizations on handling information

Access | Access Request Process Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 24 2003

IPC Practices No. 14 – The Indirect Collection of Personal Information

Tip sheet for government organizations on handling information.

Access | Personal Information Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 24 2003

Index of Records (FIPPA/MFIPPA)

A form that should be used by institutions when responding to a request under the provincial or municipal Act or providing information to the IPC during the course of an appeal. It is a listing of all of the enclosed records being released by the institution.

Access Forms Sep 24 2003

Clarifying Access Requests

Tip sheet for government organizations on handling information

Access | Access Request Process Sep 24 2003

IPC Practices No. 8 – Providing Notice of Collection

Tip sheet for government institutions on information management.

Legislation | Privacy Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 24 2003

IPC Practices No. 9 – Responding to Requests for Personal Information

Tip sheet for government organizations on handling information

Access | Access Request Process | Privacy IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 24 2003

IPC Practices No. 26: Safe and Secure Disposal Procedures for Municipal Institutions

Tip sheet for government insitutions on handling information.

Information Management | Privacy Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Aug 13 2003

Request Form (FIPPA/MFIPPA)

A generic request form for filing a request for information held by a government organization or to request a correction of your personal information held by a government organization.

Access Request Process Forms Aug 07 2003

The Security-Privacy Paradox: Issues, Misconceptions and Strategies

This joint paper produced by IPC Ontario and Deloitte & Touche provides hands-on advice for developing strategies for information security and privacy protection.

Privacy | Surveillance | Technology And Security Papers Aug 01 2003

Electronic Records and Document Management Systems: A New Tool for Enhancing the Public’s Right to Access Government-Held Information?

This paper examines the role that electronic records and document management systems (ERDMSs) can play in enhancing the public’s right to access information from government institutions in Ontario.

Access | Information Management | Open Government Papers Jul 01 2003

Inspection Reports and Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

A joint project of the Town of Newmarket and the IPC

Legislation | Privacy Jun 01 2003

Guidelines on Facsimile Transmission Security

This post is also available in: French

Jan 22 2003

Guidelines on Facsimile Transmission Security

This updated paper sets out guidelines for government institutions to consider when developing systems and procedures to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information transmitted by fax.

Privacy | Technology And Security Best Practices | Papers | Professional Guidelines Jan 01 2003

Authorization to Act as an Agent for Privacy Complaint (FIPPA/MFIPPA)

A form to be signed by a complainant who is represented by someone other than a lawyer in a privacy complaint.

Privacy Forms Dec 30 2002

Concerns and Recommendations Regarding Government Public Key Infrastructures for Citizens

Examines the potential impact of PKI on the protection of personal privacy and makes recommendations for officials establishing such systems.

Privacy | Surveillance Papers Dec 01 2002

Research Agreement (MFIPPA)

A form to be used where a researcher has requested access to records that contain personal information and are in the custody or under the control of an institution subject to the municipal Act.

Privacy Forms Sep 12 2002

Research Agreement (FIPPA)

A form to be used where a researcher has requested access to records that contain personal information and are in the custody or under the control of an institution subject to the provincial Act. (PDF format)

Privacy Forms Sep 12 2002

Processing Voluminous Requests A Best Practice for Institutions

A joint project of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario and the Information and Privacy Unit, Ministry of Natural Resources, this publication provides a selection of strategies when dealing with voluminous requests. September 2002.

Access | Access Request Process Best Practices Sep 01 2002

Exercising Discretion under section 38(b) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Provides institutions with an outline of what constitutes a valid exercise of discretion in the application of section 38(b), and some practical tips on how to properly exercise discretion when dealing with a specific category of records.

Access | Access Request Process Best Practices Jan 01 2002

Working with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act: A Councillor’s Guide

This post is also available in: French

Access | Access Request Process | Legislation | Privacy Nov 01 2001

Privacy Diagnostic Tool (PDT) Workbook

The PDT is an instrument that uses a series of questions to give businesses a ‘read’ on how well they manage their customers’ personal information. The PDT uses internationally recognized fair information practices as its basis.

Information Management | Privacy Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Aug 01 2001

Guidelines for Protecting the Privacy and Confidentiality of Personal Information When Working Outside the Office

Provides best practices and tips to assist government organizations in developing policies that address the privacy obligations of employees who are working in locations outside the traditional office setting.

Information Management | Privacy Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Jul 01 2001

Best Practices for Online Privacy Protection

An educative tool designed to help companies identify and implement appropriate practices for protecting the privacy of their online customers.

Privacy | Technology And Security Best Practices | Professional Guidelines Jun 01 2001

Routine Disclosure/Active Dissemination: A Best Practice in the City of Mississauga

This post is also available in: French

Access | Open Government Best Practices Nov 01 2000

The Appeal Process and Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner

Consumer information regarding appeals of a decision made to an access request under FIPPA or MFIPPA.

Appeal Process Brochures Sep 01 2000

Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act: A Mini Guide

A quick overview of the key points of the provincial Act.

Access | Legislation | Privacy Brochures Mar 01 2000

Backgrounder for Senior Managers on the Role of Freedom of Information and Privacy Co-ordinators relating to Access to Information

Each provincial and municipal government organization has a Co-ordinator. This Backgrounder looks at the critically important role that Co-ordinators play.

Access | Access Request Process | Open Government | Privacy Papers Sep 01 1999

Grade 5 Brochure – What Students Need to Know About Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

The brochure explains the IPC’s outreach program to schools in Ontario, specifically for grade 5

Access | Privacy | Youth Brochures Jan 01 1999

IPC Practices No. 18 – How to Protect Personal Information in the Custody of a Third Party

This post is also available in: French

Personal Information Best Practices | IPC Practices Sep 01 1998

IPC Practices No. 5 – Third Party Information at the Request Stage

Tip sheet for government organizations on handling information.

Access Request Process | Appeal Process Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 01 1998

IPC Practices No. 7 – The Collection and Use of the Social Insurance Number

Tip sheet for government organizations on handling personal information with regards to social insurance numbers.

Information Management | Privacy Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 01 1998

IPC Practices No. 16 – Maintaining the Confidentiality of Requesters and Privacy Complainants

Tip sheet for government institutions on information management.

Access Request Process | Privacy Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 01 1998

IPC Practices No. 22 – Routine Disclosure/Active Dissemination (RD/AD) of Government Information

Tip sheet for government organizations on information management.

Access | Information Management | Open Government Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 01 1998

IPC Practices No. 25 – You and Your Personal Information at the Ministry of Transportation

Tip sheet for government institutions on handling personal information. Revised July, 2009.

Information Management | Privacy Best Practices | IPC Practices | Professional Guidelines Sep 01 1998

Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act: A Mini Guide

A quick overview of the key points of the municipal Act.

Access | Legislation | Privacy Brochures Jun 01 1998

A Model Access and Privacy Agreement

Provides a template designed for insertion into contracts drawn up when a government function is transferred over to the private sector. The model contract will provide assurances to the public that their personal information will be kept secure and their right to privacy preserved when government functions are transferred over to the private sector.

Access | Privacy Best Practices Aug 01 1997

Privacy Protection Principles for Voice Mail Systems

Examines privacy issues surrounding the use of voice mail in the workplace and outlines a number of general principles for organizations to consider in their development of corporate privacy protection policies regarding the use of voice mail. The related Highlight is Privacy Protection Principles for Voice Mail Systems. October 1995.

Oct 01 1995

Indirect Collection Guideline Appendix B

This post is also available in: French

Personal Information Professional Guidelines Apr 02 1993

Indirect Collection Guidelines Appendix A

This post is also available in: French

Personal Information Professional Guidelines Apr 02 1993

Indirect Collection Guidelines – Municipal

Municipal Guidelines on Applications to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario for Authorization of Indirect Collection by Institutions Covered Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Personal Information Professional Guidelines Apr 02 1993

Indirect Collection Guidelines – Provincial

Provincial Guidelines on Applications to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario for Authorization of Indirect Collection by Institutions Covered Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Personal Information Professional Guidelines Apr 02 1993