Freedom of Information Process

What is the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (MFIPPA)?

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is the governing legislation that the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) abides by when collecting, using and disclosing personal information. MFIPPA was established in 1991 to mandate the privacy protection of an individual’s personal information within government records. The Act also provides the public right of access to records held by the municipal government and its agencies, commissions and boards. As well, an individual may request a correction to their personal information, which they believe to be inaccurate or false.

The purpose of MFIPPA is:

• to provide a right of access to information under the control of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) according to the principles below:
  • information should be available to the public,
  • necessary exemptions (i.e. personal information, third party information, solicitor-client privilege, and etc.) from the right of access should be limited and specific; and
  • decisions on the disclosure of information should be reviewed independently of the institution controlling the information by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario; and
• to protect the privacy of individuals with respect to personal information about themselves held by the TDSB and to provide individuals with a right of access to that information.

What is a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request?

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request is a request for access to information under MFIPPA that is in the custody or control of the Board.

Any person wishing to access information under the custody and control of the Board may submit an FOI request to the TDSB’s Freedom of Information and Privacy Office.

How to submit an FOI Request?

An FOI request may be submitted by mail (such as a letter or by completing the FOI application form, detailing the parameters of the search and must include the mandatory $5.00 application fee in the form of a cheque or money order made payable to the Toronto District School Board. Additional fees may be charged in accordance with MFIPPA.

Please address your FOI request to the following attention:

What needs to be included in the request to make it valid:

• Requester’s name;
• Address;
• Phone number and or email address;
• A detailed description of the requested records;
• The time frame of the requested records; and
• A $5.00 application fee

*Please note, that any request submitted without the $5.00 application fee will not be processed until the fee is received.

Fees:

As prescribed by the legislation (O. Reg 823), additional costs for search time, preparation and record reproduction may apply to a request.

Mandatory Application Fee

Personal Information

General Information

Freedom of Information Request Completion Time:

Upon receipt of your request, a 30 calendar day timeline to respond to your request under MFIPPA commences. However, if a request is for a large number of records, an extensive search or a third party consultation is required, a time extension may apply. Requesters will be notified if a time extension is applicable.

When will I receive my requested records:

Records will be released once all fees have been paid if a fee is applicable.

Appealing a Freedom of Information (FOI) request:

A requester has the right to appeal any decision made by the Board regarding their FOI request to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) within 30 days of receipt of the Board’s decision.

More information on the appeal process can be found on the IPC’s website.