Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Privacy is a legal right and many believe that it is a fundamental human right. During the past decade, the concern for privacy has taken on increasingly complex dimensions. The particular aspect of privacy that relates to the collection, use, disclosure, storage, and general management of personal information is known as information privacy.

The concept of information privacy recognizes an individual’s right to determine when, how, and to what extent he or she shares personal information with others. In order to maintain the trust and confidence of clients, employees, patients, and the public, it is essential that government and public bodies respect the privacy and security of identifying personal information.

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) was designed to protect personal information privacy, not to place obstacles in the way of achieving corporate and operational objectives.

The FIPPA Act

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) provides a right of access to records held by public bodies and regulates how public bodies manage personal information. FIPPA also provides an independent review process for people who disagree with access and privacy decisions made by public bodies under the Act.

FIPPA came into force for Manitoba government departments and agencies on May 4, 1998 and the City of Winnipeg on August 31, 1998. On April 3, 2000, it was extended to all local governments, school divisions, community colleges, universities, regional health authorities and hospitals.

FIPPA sets out requirements that public bodies must follow to protect the personal information that they hold. These requirements embody the principles of ‘fair information practices’ which are increasingly accepted around the world.

Please refer to the Act for specific exceptions to disclosure and restrictions on the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.

College Policy

RRC Polytech came under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) on April 3, 2000. In order to provide direction in responding to requests for information under FIPPA, College Management approved Policy G3 – Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy.

Forms

You are encouraged to contact the appropriate College department before filling out a FIPPA application for access. In many cases, the information that you are looking for can be obtained without making a formal application for access under FIPPA.

A complaint under FIPPA to the Manitoba Ombudsman must be filed using the prescribed Complaint form.

These forms are available on the Government of Manitoba website.

Contact Us

Carolyn Frost
General Counsel
C410 – 2055 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3H 0J9

Tel: 204-632-6625
Email: cjfrost@rrc.ca