Author Archives: Lynn Anderson

About Lynn Anderson

Lynn Anderson is currently a Student-at-Law at the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. Lynn received her Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Arts (Art History) from the University of Calgary, and her Bachelor of Laws in 2012 from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. Lynn is dedicated to helping the vulnerable and marginalized. Lynn has volunteered with Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre (ACLRC), Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG), the Children’s Legal & Educational Resource Centre (CLERC), and the MEOW Foundation.

Vagueness in FOIPP: Can Citizens Effectively Access Their Personal Information?

By: Lynn Anderson

PDF Version: Vagueness in FOIPP: Can Citizens Effectively Access Their Personal Information?

Case Commented on: Edmonton (City) v Alberta (Information and Privacy Commissioner), 2016 ABCA 110

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSA 2000, c. F-25 (“FOIPPA”, or “the Act”) outlines the obligations of a public body to provide access to records, including access to your own personal information. The overall purpose of the Act (s 2) is to balance our right to access records in the custody and control of public bodies, like the City, with protecting the privacy of individuals by controlling the manner in which public bodies collect, use and disclose personal information. Although there are exceptions to accessing records, these are limited, and interpretation of the Act should be made with the goal of maximum disclosure. As citizens, we have a right to know what information about ourselves is being held by a public body. For example, if someone is making a complaint about us we have a right to know the details so we can defend ourselves. Disclosure by the public body allows citizens to participate in decisions in a more informed and meaningful way. Continue reading →