Extension of Time for Responding to Freedom of Information Requests

The public health emergency in British Columbia has prompted clients to ask us about their responsibility under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) to respond to freedom of information requests within the timelines set out in FIPPA.

Today the Information and Privacy Commissioner issued a decision permitting all public bodies in the province to extend response times.

The decision recognizes the current public health emergency by permitting public bodies to extend response times for up to 30 business days from the expiry of the 30-day time limit for response under section 7(1) of FIPPA. However, if a public body has taken a time extension under section 10(1) of FIPPA, the extra 30 business days is on top of that extension.

In addition, the Commissioner’s decision states that, if a public body considers it necessary, it can apply to the Commissioner for further permission to extend, on top of the above-described extension.

The Commissioner’s decision, which we recommend you read, can be found here: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/news-releases/2399.

If you have any questions or need other support, feel free to contact:

Ethan Plato plato@younganderson.ca or David Loukidelis QC loukidelis@younganderson.ca

Ethan Plato & David Loukidelis

Download pdf: Extension of Time for Responding to Freedom of Information Requests