School Board Update
Are You Properly Authorized to Make that Freedom of Information Decision?
Date: May 15, 2017
This is a short reminder to our school board contacts about an often overlooked feature of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) – the assignment of formal powers and duties to the board of trustees itself. These powers and duties include those related to the processing of freedom of information requests.
Almost always, freedom of information requests are handled completely by persons other than the trustees. This is permitted by a provision in MFIPPA that allows for a written delegation of MFIPPA powers and duties. If a proper delegation has not been made, however, certain actions taken in processing freedom of information requests may be rendered invalid.
We encourage our school board contacts who are responsible for processing freedom of information requests to confirm that a proper written delegation is in place. We would be pleased to assist in addressing any problems. Please contact Scott Williams at 416.864.7325 or your regular Hicks Morley lawyer for more information.
The articles in this client update provide general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©
