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Information Requests

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The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act provides individuals with the right to request access to information in the custody or control of public bodies while providing public bodies with a framework for conducting the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.

The FOIP Act aims to strike a balance between the public’s right to know and an individual’s right to privacy.

Big Lakes County will only disclose personal information in accordance with FOIP Act.

Summary of the FOIP Act:

  • You have the right to request access to Big Lakes County information.
  • You have the right to access your own information.
  • You have the right to request that Big Lakes County correct your personal information.
  • Big Lakes County must tell you why it is collecting your personal information.
  • Big Lakes County must only collect, use, and disclose your personal information for the purposes stated in the Act.

You have the right to complain about any issue related to FOIP, including an access request you have made or a privacy breach. Complainants may be directed to request an independent review of any issue related to FOIP by the provincial Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta.

FOIP – Access to Information Requests

Requests for Information fall under two categories: General and Personal.

A “general” request is a written request for records that are not your own personal information.
A “personal” request is a written request for records about you.

To request information:

Submit your request directly to Big Lakes County. Requests are accepted by mail, email or in person. Payment for general FOIP requests can be made by cash, cheque, credit card or e-transfer.

For more information on making a Request for Access to Information, please contact Big Lakes County’s FOIP Coordinator at 780-523-5955.

Making a FOIP Request:

Before submitting a FOIP request, please review the Frequently Asked Questions below.

A request for someone else’s personal information is a written request for records of a personal nature about another person, not you. You must provide proof that you have permission.

Use the Authorization of Representative form

A general request requires a $25 application fee. Work will not start on your request until the fee has been paid.

Personal information requests are free (including when you make a request on behalf of someone else that has provided you with their written consent)

If you don’t know if your request is general or personal, please contact Big Lakes County’s FOIP Coordinator at 780-523-5955.

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, or credit card at the High Prairie and Kinuso Administration Offices or via e-transfer to [email protected].

Before work starts on your request, the FOIP Coordinator may contact you to discuss your request. This conversation will help the FOIP Coordinator understand what you are requesting. Work cannot begin on your request until the scope of your request is clear.

The FOIP Act provides Big Lakes County with 30 calendar days to respond to your request.  However, days spent clarifying the scope of your request or awaiting payment of fees will extend the 30-calendar day response time.

Big Lakes County may take an additional 30 days if the scope of your request is large or if we need to consult with a third party about the records.  Any other extensions of time must be approved by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta.