Freedom of Information

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) is provincial legislation that establishes a right of access to information held by municipal governments.

The legislation applies to all municipalities in Ontario and to various other local government institutions. The Act does not apply to private companies, credit bureaus, hospitals, doctors' records or to federal government institutions. There is also a separate act that applies specifically to Ontario's Provincial Ministries and agencies.

How to Request Municipal Information

Requests may be submitted in person, mail or by email. The Clerk will determine if the request should be submitted formally under MFIPPA, or if the records can be provided as a routine disclosure.

Persons wishing to access records held by the Township of Black River-Matheson should first contact the Clerk and request the information before making a formal request under the Act.

If a formal request is required, the request must be in writing and submitted to the Clerk.

Fees

A $5 application fee applies to each request.

Right to Appeal

A requester has the right to appeal any decision made by the Municipality about access to records or personal information. Appeals are filed with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

For more information, visit the Information and Privacy Commissioner's website.