The IPC Publishes Guidance for School Boards on their Obligations under MFIPPA

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (the “IPC”) has published A Guide to Privacy and Access to Information in Ontario Schools (the “Guide”). The Guide provides a succinct overview of a School board’s responsibilities under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“MFIPPA” or the “Act”). The Act obliges school boards to protect individual privacy and maintain the freedom of information for records in their custody or control. This Guide provides direction to school boards on complying with their responsibilities under the Act using particularized examples from IPC decisions concerning school boards.

School boards can consult this document for guidance on the institution’s obligations to protect individual privacy and provide access to information rights. The Guide also covers special circumstances, such as disclosure to law enforcement or children’s’ aid society.