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ARTICLE · 15 DECEMBER 2021

The New Changes To FOIPPA - Highlights Of What BC Public Bodies Need To Know

Lawson Lundell LLP
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On November 25, 2021, amendments to B.C.'s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 165 ("FOIPPA") came into force through Bill 22-2021...

CanadaPrivacy
Ryan Berger
Ryan Berger
Meg Gaily
Meg Gaily
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On November 25, 2021, amendments to B.C.'s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 165 ("FOIPPA") came into force through Bill 22-2021, with a few more anticipated within the coming months (by the end of next year).  FOIPPA applies to records in the custody or control of "public bodies", such as government ministries, municipalities and regional districts, as well as many agencies, provincial regulators and Crown corporations.

The major changes to FOIPPA now in force include:

  • New requirements that all public bodies must conduct privacy impact assessments ("PIAs") in accordance with the directions of the minister responsible for FOIPPA (section 69). On November 26, 2021, the Minister of Citizens' Services issued directions for public bodies that are not ministries regarding PIAs (the "PIA Directions"). In addition to providing general directions on conducting a PIA, the PIA Directions stipulate that the head of a public body (or

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