Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP Act) has two main purposes:

1. Freedom of Information:
   To make public bodies more open and accountable by providing the public with a legislated right of access to government records, and
   
   
2. Protection of Privacy:
   To protect your right to personal privacy by prohibiting the unauthorized collection, use or disclosure of your personal information by public bodies.

The FOIPP Act covers all provincial government public bodies, including government ministries and most government agencies, boards, commissions and Crown corporations. It also covers what is referred to as “local public bodies”, which includes municipalities and regional districts.

The FOIPP Act applies to all records in the custody or under the control of public bodies, including personal information. However, only in exceptional circumstances will access to some else’s personal information be provided. The definition of ‘record’ includes books, documents, maps, drawings, photographs, letters, vouchers, papers and any other thing on which information is recorded or stored by graphic, electronic, mechanical or other means, but does not include a computer program or any other mechanism that produces records.  

There are two ways to request information from the District of Squamish:

1. Informal Request via routine channels:
   Since almost all of the District’s information is available through routine channels, you can start by making an informal request by contacting the department you think might have the information you are looking for.
   
   
2. Formal FOI Requests:
   If the information you are seeking is not available through routine channels, an applicant may make an FOI request for records containing the information. Unlike routine requests, formal FOI requests must be made in writing and must include sufficient detail to assist Staff in locating and retrieving the records. You must indicate whether you want to receive copies of the records or view them in person. You may use an FOI Application Form, although it is not required to make a formal request. You may deliver, mail, fax or e-mail your FOI request to:

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Head
PO Box 310, 37955 Second Avenue
Squamish, BC V8B 0A3
Telephone:  604.815.5006
E-mail: rarthurs@squamish.ca

Resources

• Freedom of Information Access Request Form
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Privacy Management Program