MFOIA FAQ

To which government organizations do the Acts apply?

The municipal Act came into effect on January 1, 1991. It applies to local government organizations, including municipalities, police services boards, public library boards, school boards, conservation authorities, boards of health, transit commissions, certain municipal electricity corporations and certain local housing corporations.

The Directory of Institutions, which lists all of the government organizations covered by the Acts, can be accessed directly from www.accessandprivacy.gov.on.ca/english/doi/index.html.

What kind of information may I request?

The Acts give everyone a general right of access to general records held by government organizations. The information may be recorded in printed form, on film, by electronic means or otherwise and it includes things like photographs and maps.

How do I find out what records provincial and local government organizations have?

First, you need to know whether the information you want is held by a provincial or local government organization.

Provincial Records
A Directory of Records is available for viewing online at www.accessandprivacy.gov.on.ca/english/index.html.

Consult the Directory of Records to find out the kinds of records held by ministries and other government organizations covered by the provincial Act. The Directory, maintained by the province, describes these provincial government organizations and the types of records they maintain, and it provides the telephone number and address of each such organization’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Co-ordinator.

Municipal Records
Municipalities and other local government organizations covered by the municipal Act have prepared their own directories, which are generally available at their respective offices.

Okay, I know what information I want -- how do I ask for it?

You can obtain the information you want, in many cases, just by calling or visiting the appropriate government organization. (If you are unsure of an address or telephone number, consult the Blue Pages in your telephone directory.)

That didn't work -- now what?

If you did not obtain the information you want, make a written freedom of information request.