FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT

[RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 165

Regulations

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Regulation, BC Reg.323/93
Committees of the Executive Council Regulation, BC Reg.229/2005

Other legislation affecting the FIPPA

Statutes
Regulations

Part 1 — Introductory Provisions

1 Schedule 1 contains definitions of terms used in this Act.

2 (1) The purposes of this Act are to make public bodies more accountable to the public and to protect personal privacy by

(a) giving the public a right of access to records,

(b) giving individuals a right of access to, and a right to request correction of, personal information about themselves,

(c) specifying limited exceptions to the rights of access,

(d) preventing the unauthorized collection, use or disclosure of personal information by public bodies, and

(e) providing for an independent review of decisions made under this Act.

(2) This Act does not replace other procedures for access to information or limit in any way access to information that is not personal information and is available to the public.

3 (1) This Act applies to all records in the custody or under the control of a public body, including court administration records, but does not apply to the following:

(a) a record in a court file, a record of a judge of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court or Provincial Court, a record of a master of the Supreme Court, a record of a justice of the peace, a judicial administration record or a record relating to support services provided to the judges of those courts;

(b) a personal note, communication or draft decision of a person who is acting in a judicial or quasi judicial capacity;

(c) subject to subsection (3), a record that is created by or for, or is in the custody or control of, an officer of the Legislature and that relates to the exercise of that officer’s functions under an Act; [Amended by 1997-37-52], [Amended by 2004-64-1(a)]

(c.1) [Added by 1997-11-35], [Repealed 2002-50-19.]

(d) a record of a question that is to be used on an examination or test;

(e) a record containing teaching materials or research information of employees of a post-secondary educational body;

(f) material placed in the archives of the government of British Columbia by or for a person or agency other than a public body; [Amended by 2003-5-1]

(g) material placed in the archives of a public body by or for a person or agency other than a public body; [Amended by 2003-5-1]

(h) a record relating to a prosecution if all proceedings in respect of the prosecution have not been completed;

(i) a record of an elected official of a local public body that is not in the custody or control of the local public body.

(2) This Act does not limit the information available by law to a party to a proceeding.

(3) The following sections apply to officers of the Legislature, their employees and, in relation to their service providers, the employees and associates of those service providers, as if the officers and their offices were public bodies:

(a) section 30 (protection of personal information);

(b) section 30.1 (storage and access must be in Canada);

(c) section 30.2 (obligation to report foreign demand for disclosure);

(d) section 30.3 (whistle-blower protection);

(e) section 30.4 (unauthorized disclosure prohibited);

(e.1) section 30.5 (notification of unauthorized disclosure); [Added by 2008-12-7]

(f) section 33 (disclosure of personal information);

(g) section 33.1 (disclosure inside or outside Canada);

(h) section 33.2 (disclosure inside Canada only);

(i) section 74.1 (privacy protection offences). [Added by 2004-64-1(b)]

Part 2 — Freedom of Information

Division 1 — Information Rights and How to Exercise Them

4 (1) A person who makes a request under section 5 has a right of access to any record in the custody or under the control of a public body, including a record containing personal information about the applicant.

(2) The right of access to a record does not extend to information excepted from disclosure under Division 2 of this Part, but if that information can reasonably be severed from a record an applicant has the right of access to the remainder of the record.

(3) The right of access to a record is subject to the payment of any fee required under section 75.

5 (1) To obtain access to a record, the applicant must make a written request that

(a) provides sufficient detail to enable an experienced employee of the public body, with a reasonable effort, to identify the records sought,

(b) provides written proof of the authority of the applicant to make the request, if the applicant is acting on behalf of another person in accordance with the regulations, and

(c) is submitted to the public body that the applicant believes has custody or control of the record. [Amended by 2002-13-1]

(2) The applicant may ask for a copy of the record or ask to examine the record.

6 (1) The head of a public body must make every reasonable effort to assist applicants and to respond without delay to each applicant openly, accurately and completely.

(2) Moreover, the head of a public body must create a record for an applicant if

(a) the record can be created from a machine readable record in the custody or under the control of the public body using its normal computer hardware and software and technical expertise, and

(b) creating the record would not unreasonably interfere with the operations of the public body.

7 (1) Subject to this section and sections 23 and 24 (1), the head of a public body must respond not later than 30 days after receiving a request described in section 5 (1).

(2) The head of the public body is not required to comply with subsection (1) if

(a) the time limit is extended under section 10, or

(b) the request has been transferred under section 11 to another public body.

(3) If the head of a public body asks the commissioner under section 43 for authorization to disregard a request, the 30 days referred to in subsection (1) do not include the period from the start of the day the application is made under section 43 to the end of the day a decision is made by the commissioner with respect to that application.

(4) If the head of a public body determines that an applicant is to pay fees for services related to a request, the 30 days referred to in subsection (1) do not include the period from the start of the day the head of the public body gives the applicant a written estimate of the total fees to the end of the day one of the following occurs:

(a) the head of the public body excuses the applicant from paying all of the fees under section 75 (5);

(b) the head of the public body excuses the applicant from paying part of the fees under section 75 (5), and the applicant agrees to pay the remainder and, if required by the head of a public body, pays the deposit required;

(c) the applicant agrees to pay the fees set out in the written estimate and, if required by the head of a public body, pays the deposit required.

(5) If an applicant asks the commissioner under section 52 (1) to review a fee estimate or a refusal to excuse the payment of all or part of the fee required by the head of the public body, the 30 days referred to in subsection (1) do not include the period from the start of the day the applicant asks for the review to the end of the day the commissioner makes a decision.

(6) If a third party asks under section 52 (2) that the commissioner review a decision of the head of a public body, the 30 days referred to in subsection (1) do not include the period from the start of the day the written request for review is delivered to the commissioner to the end of the day the commissioner makes a decision with respect to the review requested.

(7) If a person asks under section 62 (2) for a review of a decision of the commissioner as head of a public body, the 30 days referred to in subsection (1) do not include the period from the start of the day the request for review is delivered to the minister responsible for this Act to the end of the day the adjudicator makes a decision with respect to the review requested. [Amended by 2002-13-2]

8 (1) In a response under section 7, the head of the public body must tell the applicant

(a) whether or not the applicant is entitled to access to the record or to part of the record,

(b) if the applicant is entitled to access, where, when and how access will be given, and

(c) if access to the record or to part of the record is refused,

(i) the reasons for the refusal and the provision of this Act on which the refusal is based,

(ii) the name, title, business address and business telephone number of an officer or employee of the public body who can answer the applicant's questions about the refusal, and

(iii) that the applicant may ask for a review under section 53 or 63.

(2) Despite subsection (1) (c) (i), the head of a public body may refuse in a response to confirm or deny the existence of

(a) a record containing information described in section 15 (information harmful to law enforcement), or

(b) a record containing personal information of a third party if disclosure of the existence of the information would be an unreasonable invasion of that party's personal privacy.

9 (1) If an applicant is told under section 8 (1) that access will be given, the head of the public body concerned must comply with subsection (2) or (3) of this section.

(2) If the applicant has asked for a copy under section 5 (2) and the record can reasonably be reproduced,

(a) a copy of the record or part of the record must be provided with the response, or

(b) the applicant must be given reasons for the delay in providing the record.

(3) If the applicant has asked to examine the record under section 5 (2) or if the record cannot reasonably be reproduced, the applicant must

(a) be permitted to examine the record or part of the record, or

(b) be given access in accordance with the regulations.

10 (1) The head of a public body may extend the time for responding to a request for up to 30 days if one or more of the following apply:

(a) the applicant does not give enough detail to enable the public body to identify a requested record;

(b) a large number of records are requested or must be searched and meeting the time limit would unreasonably interfere with the operations of the public body;

(c) more time is needed to consult with a third party or other public body before the head can decide whether or not to give the applicant access to a requested record.

(2) In addition to the authority under subsection (1), with the permission of the commissioner, the head of a public body may extend the time for responding to a request as follows:

(a) if one or more of the circumstances described in subsection (1) (a) to (c) apply, for a period of longer than the 30 days permitted under that subsection;

(b) if the commissioner otherwise considers that it is fair and reasonable to do so, as the commissioner considers appropriate.

(3) If the time for responding to a request is extended under this section, the head of the public body must tell the applicant

(a) the reason for the extension,

(b) when a response can be expected, and

(c) in the case of an extension under subsection (1), that the applicant may complain about the extension under section 42 (2) (b) or 60 (1) (a). [Repealed and replaced by 2006-24-7]

Division 2 — Exceptions

12 (1) The head of a public body must refuse to disclose to an applicant information that would reveal the substance of deliberations of the Executive Council or any of its committees, including any advice, recommendations, policy considerations or draft legislation or regulations submitted or prepared for submission to the Executive Council or any of its committees.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to

(a) information in a record that has been in existence for 15 or more years,

(b) information in a record of a decision made by the Executive Council or any of its committees on an appeal under an Act, or

(c) information in a record the purpose of which is to present background explanations or analysis to the Executive Council or any of its committees for its consideration in making a decision if

(i) the decision has been made public,

(ii) the decision has been implemented, or

(iii) 5 or more years have passed since the decision was made or considered.

(3) The head of a local public body may refuse to disclose to an applicant information that would reveal

(a) a draft of a resolution, bylaw or other legal instrument by which the local public body acts or a draft of a private Bill, or

(b) the substance of deliberations of a meeting of its elected officials or of its governing body or a committee of its governing body, if an Act or a regulation under this Act authorizes the holding of that meeting in the absence of the public.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if

(a) the draft of the resolution, bylaw, other legal instrument or private Bill or the subject matter of the deliberations has been considered in a meeting open to the public, or

(b) the information referred to in that subsection is in a record that has been in existence for 15 or more years.

(5) The Lieutenant Governor in Council by regulation may designate a committee for the purposes of this section.

(6) A committee may be designated under subsection (5) only if

(a) the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers that

(i) the deliberations of the committee relate to the deliberations of the Executive Council, and

(ii) the committee exercises functions of the Executive Council, and

(b) at least 1/3 of the members of the committee are members of the Executive Council. [Added by 2002-63-9]

13 (1) The head of a public body may refuse to disclose to an applicant information that would reveal advice or recommendations developed by or for a public body or a minister.

(2) The head of a public body must not refuse to disclose under subsection (1)

(a) any factual material,

(b) a public opinion poll,

(c) a statistical survey,

(d) an appraisal,

(e) an economic forecast,

(f) an environmental impact statement or similar information,

(g) a final report or final audit on the performance or efficiency of a public body or on any of its programs or policies,

(h) a consumer test report or a report of a test carried out on a product to test equipment of the public body,

(i) a feasibility or technical study, including a cost estimate, relating to a policy or project of the public body,

(j) a report on the results of field research undertaken before a policy proposal is formulated,

(k) a report of a task force, committee, council or similar body that has been established to consider any matter and make reports or recommendations to a public body,

(l) a plan or proposal to establish a new program or to change a program, if the plan or proposal has been approved or rejected by the head of the public body,

(m) information that the head of the public body has cited publicly as the basis for making a decision or formulating a policy, or

(n) a decision, including reasons, that is made in the exercise of a discretionary power or an adjudicative function and that affects the rights of the applicant.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to information in a record that has been in existence for 10 or more years.

14 The head of a public body may refuse to disclose to an applicant information that is subject to solicitor client privilege.

15 (1) The head of a public body may refuse to disclose information to an applicant if the disclosure could reasonably be expected to

(a) harm a law enforcement matter,

(b) prejudice the defence of Canada or of any foreign state allied to or associated with Canada or harm the detection, prevention or suppression of espionage, sabotage or terrorism,

(c) harm the effectiveness of investigative techniques and procedures currently used, or likely to be used, in law enforcement,

(d) reveal the identity of a confidential source of law enforcement information,

(e) reveal criminal intelligence that has a reasonable connection with the detection, prevention or suppression of organized criminal activities or of serious and repetitive criminal activities,

(f) endanger the life or physical safety of a law enforcement officer or any other person,

(g) reveal any information relating to or used in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion,

(h) deprive a person of the right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication,

(i) reveal a record that has been confiscated from a person by a peace officer in accordance with an enactment,

(j) facilitate the escape from custody of a person who is under lawful detention,

(k) facilitate the commission of an offence under an enactment of British Columbia or Canada, or

(l) harm the security of any property or system, including a building, a vehicle, a computer system or a communications system.

(2) The head of a public body may refuse to disclose information to an applicant if the information

(a) is in a law enforcement record and the disclosure would be an offence under an Act of Parliament,

(b) is in a law enforcement record and the disclosure could reasonably be expected to expose to civil liability the author of the record or a person who has been quoted or paraphrased in the record, or

(c) is about the history, supervision or release of a person who is in custody or under supervision and the disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the proper custody or supervision of that person.

(3) The head of a public body must not refuse to disclose under this section

(a) a report prepared in the course of routine inspections by an agency that is authorized to enforce compliance with an Act,

(b) a report, including statistical analysis, on the degree of success achieved in a law enforcement program unless disclosure of the report could reasonably be expected to interfere with or harm any of the matters referred to in subsection (1) or (2), or

(c) statistical information on decisions under the Crown Counsel Act to approve or not to approve prosecutions.

(4) The head of a public body must not refuse, after a police investigation is completed, to disclose under this section the reasons for a decision not to prosecute

(a) to a person who knew of and was significantly interested in the investigation, including a victim or a relative or friend of a victim, or

(b) to any other member of the public, if the fact of the investigation was made public.

16 (1) The head of a public body may refuse to disclose information to an applicant if the disclosure could reasonably be expected to

(a) harm the conduct by the government of British Columbia of relations between that government and any of the following or their agencies:

(i) the government of Canada or a province of Canada;

(ii) the council of a municipality or the board of a regional district;

(iii) an aboriginal government;

(iv) the government of a foreign state;

(v) an international organization of states,

(b) reveal information received in confidence from a government, council or organization listed in paragraph (a) or their agencies, or

(c) harm the conduct of negotiations relating to aboriginal self government or treaties.

(2) Moreover, the head of a public body must not disclose information referred to in subsection (1) without the consent of

(a) the Attorney General, for law enforcement information, or

(b) the Executive Council, for any other type of information.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to information that is in a record that has been in existence for 15 or more years unless the information is law enforcement information.

17 (1) The head of a public body may refuse to disclose to an applicant information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to harm the financial or economic interests of a public body or the government of British Columbia or the ability of that government to manage the economy, including the following information:

(a) trade secrets of a public body or the government of British Columbia;

(b) financial, commercial, scientific or technical information that belongs to a public body or to the government of British Columbia and that has, or is reasonably likely to have, monetary value;

(c) plans that relate to the management of personnel of or the administration of a public body and that have not yet been implemented or made public;

(d) information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to result in the premature disclosure of a proposal or project or in undue financial loss or gain to a third party;

(e) information about negotiations carried on by or for a public body or the government of British Columbia.

(f) information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to harm the negotiating position of a public body or the government of British Columbia. [Added by 2006-24-8]

(2) The head of a public body may refuse to disclose under subsection (1) research information if the disclosure could reasonably be expected to deprive the researcher of priority of publication.

(3) The head of a public body must not refuse to disclose under subsection (1) the results of product or environmental testing carried out by or for that public body, unless the testing was done

(a) for a fee as a service to a person, a group of persons or an organization other than the public body, or

(b) for the purpose of developing methods of testing.

18 The head of a public body may refuse to disclose information to an applicant if the disclosure could reasonably be expected to result in damage to, or interfere with the conservation of,

(a) fossil sites, natural sites or sites that have an anthropological or heritage value,

(b) an endangered, threatened or vulnerable species, subspecies or race of plants, vertebrates or invertebrates, or

(c) any other rare or endangered living resources.

19 (1) The head of a public body may refuse to disclose to an applicant information, including personal information about the applicant, if the disclosure could reasonably be expected to

(a) threaten anyone else's safety or mental or physical health, or

(b) interfere with public safety.

(2) The head of a public body may refuse to disclose to an applicant personal information about the applicant if the disclosure could reasonably be expected to result in immediate and grave harm to the applicant's safety or mental or physical health.

20 (1) The head of a public body may refuse to disclose to an applicant information

(a) that is available for purchase by the public, or

(b) that, within 60 days after the applicant's request is received, is to be published or released to the public.

(2) The head of a public body must notify an applicant of the publication or release of information that the head has refused to disclose under subsection (1) (b).

(3) If the information is not published or released within 60 days after the applicant's request is received, the head of the public body must reconsider the request as if it were a new request received on the last day of that period, but the information must not be refused under subsection (1) (b).

21 (1) The head of a public body must refuse to disclose to an applicant information

(a) that would reveal

(i) trade secrets of a third party, or

(ii) commercial, financial, labour relations, scientific or technical information of or about a third party, [Amended by 2002-13-5]

(b) that is supplied, implicitly or explicitly, in confidence, and

(c) the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to

(i) harm significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the negotiating position of the third party,

(ii) result in similar information no longer being supplied to the public body when it is in the public interest that similar information continue to be supplied,

(iii) result in undue financial loss or gain to any person or organization, or

(iv) reveal information supplied to, or the report of, an arbitrator, mediator, labour relations officer or other person or body appointed to resolve or inquire into a labour relations dispute.

(2) The head of a public body must refuse to disclose to an applicant information that was obtained on a tax return or gathered for the purpose of determining tax liability or collecting a tax.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if

(a) the third party consents to the disclosure, or

(b) the information is in a record that is in the custody or control of the archives of the government of British Columbia or the archives of a public body and that has been in existence for 50 or more years. [Amended by 2003-5-2]

22 (1) The head of a public body must refuse to disclose personal information to an applicant if the disclosure would be an unreasonable invasion of a third party's personal privacy.

(2) In determining under subsection (1) or (3) whether a disclosure of personal information constitutes an unreasonable invasion of a third party's personal privacy, the head of a public body must consider all the relevant circumstances, including whether

(a) the disclosure is desirable for the purpose of subjecting the activities of the government of British Columbia or a public body to public scrutiny,

(b) the disclosure is likely to promote public health and safety or to promote the protection of the environment,

(c) the personal information is relevant to a fair determination of the applicant's rights,

(d) the disclosure will assist in researching or validating the claims, disputes or grievances of aboriginal people,

(e) the third party will be exposed unfairly to financial or other harm,

(f) the personal information has been supplied in confidence,

(g) the personal information is likely to be inaccurate or unreliable, and

(h) the disclosure may unfairly damage the reputation of any person referred to in the record requested by the applicant.

(3) A disclosure of personal information is presumed to be an unreasonable invasion of a third party's personal privacy if

(a) the personal information relates to a medical, psychiatric or psychological history, diagnosis, condition, treatment or evaluation,

(b) the personal information was compiled and is identifiable as part of an investigation into a possible violation of law, except to the extent that disclosure is necessary to prosecute the violation or to continue the investigation,

(c) the personal information relates to eligibility for income assistance or social service benefits or to the determination of benefit levels,

(d) the personal information relates to employment, occupational or educational history,

(e) the personal information was obtained on a tax return or gathered for the purpose of collecting a tax,

(f) the personal information describes the third party's finances, income, assets, liabilities, net worth, bank balances, financial history or activities, or creditworthiness,

(g) the personal information consists of personal recommendations or evaluations, character references or personnel evaluations about the third party,

(h) the disclosure could reasonably be expected to reveal that the third party supplied, in confidence, a personal recommendation or evaluation, character reference or personnel evaluation,

(i) the personal information indicates the third party's racial or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or religious or political beliefs or associations, or

(j) the personal information consists of the third party's name, address, or telephone number and is to be used for mailing lists or solicitations by telephone or other means.

(4) A disclosure of personal information is not an unreasonable invasion of a third party's personal privacy if

(a) the third party has, in writing, consented to or requested the disclosure,

(b) there are compelling circumstances affecting anyone's health or safety and notice of disclosure is mailed to the last known address of the third party,

(c) an enactment of British Columbia or Canada authorizes the disclosure,

(d) the disclosure is for a research or statistical purpose and is in accordance with section 35,

(e) the information is about the third party's position, functions or remuneration as an officer, employee or member of a public body or as a member of a minister's staff,

(f) the disclosure reveals financial and other details of a contract to supply goods or services to a public body,

(g) public access to the information is provided under the Financial Information Act,

(h) the information is about expenses incurred by the third party while travelling at the expense of a public body,

(i) the disclosure reveals details of a licence, permit or other similar discretionary benefit granted to the third party by a public body, not including personal information supplied in support of the application for the benefit, or

(j) the disclosure reveals details of a discretionary benefit of a financial nature granted to the third party by a public body, not including personal information that is supplied in support of the application for the benefit or is referred to in subsection (3) (c).

(5) On refusing, under this section, to disclose personal information supplied in confidence about an applicant, the head of the public body must give the applicant a summary of the information unless the summary cannot be prepared without disclosing the identity of a third party who supplied the personal information.

(6) The head of the public body may allow the third party to prepare the summary of personal information under subsection (5).

22.1 (1) In this section, "abortion services" means lawful medical services for the termination of a pregnancy.

(2) The head of a public body must refuse to disclose to an applicant information that relates to the provision of abortion services.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to the following:

(a) information about abortion services that were received by the applicant;

(b) statistical information, including financial information, relating to the total number of abortion services provided throughout

(i) British Columbia, or

(ii) a region that is designated under section 4 (1) (b) of the Health Authorities Act if more than one health care body provides abortion services in that region;

(c) information about a public body’s policies on the provision of abortion services.

(4) Nothing in this section prevents any other provision of this Act from applying if a request is made under section 5 by an applicant for access to a record containing information about abortion services that were received by the applicant. [Added by 2001-8-1]

Division 3 — Notice to Third Parties

23 (1) If the head of a public body intends to give access to a record that the head has reason to believe contains information that might be excepted from disclosure under section 21 or 22, the head must give the third party a written notice under subsection (3).

(2) If the head of a public body does not intend to give access to a record that contains information excepted from disclosure under section 21 or 22, the head may give the third party a written notice under subsection (3).

(3) The notice must

(a) state that a request has been made by an applicant for access to a record containing information the disclosure of which may affect the interests or invade the personal privacy of the third party,

(b) describe the contents of the record, and

(c) state that, within 20 days after the notice is given, the third party may, in writing, consent to the disclosure or may make written representations to the public body explaining why the information should not be disclosed.

(4) When notice is given under subsection (1), the head of the public body must also give the applicant a notice stating that

(a) the record requested by the applicant contains information the disclosure of which may affect the interests or invade the personal privacy of a third party,

(b) the third party is being given an opportunity to make representations concerning disclosure, and

(c) a decision will be made within 30 days about whether or not to give the applicant access to the record.

24 (1) Within 30 days after notice is given under section 23 (1) or (2), the head of the public body must decide whether or not to give access to the record or to part of the record, but no decision may be made before the earlier of

(a) 21 days after the day notice is given, or

(b) the day a response is received from the third party.

(2) On reaching a decision under subsection (1), the head of the public body must give written notice of the decision to

(a) the applicant, and

(b) the third party.

(3) If the head of the public body decides to give access to the record or to part of the record, the notice must state that the applicant will be given access unless the third party asks for a review under section 53 or 63 within 20 days after the day notice is given under subsection (2).

Division 4 — Public Interest Paramount

25 (1) Whether or not a request for access is made, the head of a public body must, without delay, disclose to the public, to an affected group of people or to an applicant, information

(a) about a risk of significant harm to the environment or to the health or safety of the public or a group of people, or

(b) the disclosure of which is, for any other reason, clearly in the public interest.

(2) Subsection (1) applies despite any other provision of this Act.

(3) Before disclosing information under subsection (1), the head of a public body must, if practicable, notify

(a) any third party to whom the information relates, and

(b) the commissioner.

(4) If it is not practicable to comply with subsection (3), the head of the public body must mail a notice of disclosure in the prescribed form

(a) to the last known address of the third party, and

(b) to the commissioner.

Part 3 — Protection of Privacy

Division 1 — Collection, Protection and Retention of Personal Information
by Public Bodies

26 No personal information may be collected by or for a public body unless

(a) the collection of that information is expressly authorized by or under an Act,

(b) that information is collected for the purposes of law enforcement, or

(c) that information relates directly to and is necessary for an operating program or activity of the public body.

27 (1) A public body must collect personal information or cause personal information to be collected directly from the individual the information is about unless [Amended by 2003-5-3(a)]

(a) another method of collection is authorized by

(i) that individual,

(ii) the commissioner under section 42 (1) (i), or

(iii) another enactment,

(a.1) the collection of the information is necessary for the medical treatment of an individual and it is not possible [Amended by 2003-5-3(b)]

(i) to collect the information directly from that individual, or

(ii) to obtain authority under paragraph (a) (i) for another method of collection, [Added by 2002-13-6]

(b) the information may be disclosed to the public body under sections 33 to 36, or

(c) the information is collected for the purpose of

(i) determining suitability for an honour or award including an honorary degree, scholarship, prize or bursary,

(ii) a proceeding before a court or a judicial or quasi judicial tribunal,

(iii) collecting a debt or fine or making a payment, or

(iv) law enforcement.

(2) A public body must ensure that an individual from whom it collects personal information or causes personal information to be collected is told [Amended by 2003-5-4]

(a) the purpose for collecting it,

(b) the legal authority for collecting it, and

(c) the title, business address and business telephone number of an officer or employee of the public body who can answer the individual's questions about the collection.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if

(a) the information is about law enforcement or anything referred to in section 15 (1) or (2),

(b) the minister responsible for this Act excuses a public body from complying with it because doing so would

(i) result in the collection of inaccurate information, or

(ii) defeat the purpose or prejudice the use for which the information is collected, or [Amended by 2003-5-5]

(c) the information

(i) is not required, under subsection (1), to be collected directly from the individual the information is about, and

(ii) is not collected directly from the individual the information is about.

28 If

(a) an individual’s personal information is in the custody or under the control of a public body, and

(b) the personal information will be used by or on behalf of the public body to make a decision that directly affects the individual,

the public body must make every reasonable effort to ensure that the personal information is accurate and complete. [Repealed and replaced by 2003-5-6]

29 (1) An applicant who believes there is an error or omission in his or her personal information may request the head of the public body that has the information in its custody or under its control to correct the information.

(2) If no correction is made in response to a request under subsection (1), the head of the public body must annotate the information with the correction that was requested but not made.

(3) On correcting or annotating personal information under this section, the head of the public body must notify any other public body or any third party to whom that information has been disclosed during the one year period before the correction was requested.

(4) On being notified under subsection (3) of a correction or annotation of personal information, a public body must make the correction or annotation on any record of that information in its custody or under its control.

30 A public body must protect personal information in its custody or under its control by making reasonable security arrangements against such risks as unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure or disposal. [Amended by 2003-5-7], [Amended by 2004-64-2]

30.1 A public body must ensure that personal information in its custody or under its control is stored only in Canada and accessed only in Canada, unless one of the following applies:

(a) if the individual the information is about has identified the information and has consented, in the prescribed manner, to it being stored in or accessed from, as applicable, another jurisdiction;

(b) if it is stored in or accessed from another jurisdiction for the purpose of disclosure allowed under this Act. [Amended by 2004-64-3]

(c) if it was disclosed under section 33.1(1)(i.1).[Added by 2005-35-8]

30.2 (1) In this section:

"foreign demand for disclosure" means a subpoena, warrant, order, demand or request that is

(a) from a foreign court, an agency of a foreign state or another authority outside Canada, and

(b) for the unauthorized disclosure of personal information to which this Act applies;

"unauthorized disclosure of personal information" means disclosure of, production of or the provision of access to personal information to which this Act applies, if that disclosure, production or access is not authorized by this Act.

(2) If the head of a public body or an employee, officer or director of a public body or an employee or associate of a service provider [Amended by 2008-12-9]

(a) receives a foreign demand for disclosure,

(b) receives a request to disclose, produce or provide access to personal information to which this Act applies, if the public body, employee or other person receiving the request

(i) knows that the request is for the purpose of responding to a foreign demand for disclosure, or

(ii) has reason to suspect that it is for such a purpose, or

(c) has reason to suspect that unauthorized disclosure of personal information has occurred in response to a foreign demand for disclosure,

the head of the public body, the employee or other person must immediately notify the minister responsible for this Act.

(3) The notice under subsection (2) must include, as known or suspected,

(a) the nature of the foreign demand for disclosure,

(b) who made the foreign demand for disclosure,

(c) when the foreign demand for disclosure was received, and

(d) what information was sought by or disclosed in response to the foreign demand for disclosure.

30.3 An employer, whether or not a public body, must not dismiss, suspend, demote, discipline, harass or otherwise disadvantage an employee of the employer, or deny that employee a benefit, because

(a) the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has notified the minister responsible for this Act under section 30.2,

(b) the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has disclosed to the commissioner that the employer or any other person has contravened or is about to contravene this Act,

(c) the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has done or stated an intention of doing anything that is required to be done in order to avoid having any person contravene this Act,

(d) the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has refused to do or stated an intention of refusing to do anything that is in contravention of this Act, or

(e) the employer believes that an employee will do anything described in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d).

30.4 An employee, officer or director of a public body or an employee or associate of a service provider who has access, whether authorized or unauthorized, to personal information in the custody or control of a public body, must not disclose that information except as authorized under this Act. [Sections 30.1 to 30.4 added by 2004-64-2] [Amended by 2008-12-10]

30.5(1) In this section, "unauthorized disclosure of personal information" has the same meaning as in section 30.2 (1).

30.5(2)(2) An employee, officer or director of a public body, or an employee or associate of a service provider, who knows that there has been an unauthorized disclosure of personal information that is in the custody or under the control of the public body must immediately notify the head of the public body.

31 If an individual’s personal information

(a) is in the custody or under the control of a public body, and

(b) is used by or on behalf of the public body to make a decision that directly affects the individual,

the public body must ensure that the personal information is retained for at least one year after being used so that the affected individual has a reasonable opportunity to obtain access to that personal information. [Amended by 2003-5-8]

31.1 The requirements and restrictions established by this Part also apply to

(a) the employees, officers and directors of a public body, and

(b) in the case of an employee that is a service provider, all employees and associates of the service provider.[Added by 2004-64-3]

Division 2 — Use and Disclosure of Personal Information by Public Bodies

32 A public body must ensure that personal information in its custody or under its control is used only

(a) for the purpose for which that information was obtained or compiled, or for a use consistent with that purpose (see section 34),

(b) if the individual the information is about has identified the information and has consented, in the prescribed manner, to the use, or

(c) for a purpose for which that information may be disclosed to that public body under sections 33 to 36. [Amended by 2003-5-9]

Disclosure of personal information

33 A public body must ensure that personal information in its custody or under its control is disclosed only as permitted under section 33.1 or 33.2. [Amended by 2002-13-7], [Amended by 2003-5-10(a)],  [Amended by 2004-64-4]

Disclosure inside or outside Canada

33.1 (1) A public body may disclose personal information referred to in section 33 inside or outside Canada as follows:

(a) in accordance with Part 2;

(a.1) if the information or disclosure is of a type described in section 22(4)(e), (f), (h), (i) or (j); [Added by 2008-12-12]

(b) if the individual the information is about has identified the information and consented, in the prescribed manner, to its disclosure inside or outside Canada, as applicable;

(c) in accordance with an enactment of British Columbia or Canada that authorizes or requires its disclosure;

(c.1) if it is made available to the public in British Columbia under an enactment, other than this Act, that authorizes or requires the information to be made public; [Added by 2005-35-9]

(d) in accordance with a provision of a treaty, arrangement or written agreement that [Amended by 2006-24-9]

(i) authorizes or requires its disclosure, and

(ii) is made under an enactment of British Columbia or Canada;

(e) to an individual who is a minister, an officer of the public body or an employee of the public body other than a service provider, if

(i) the information is necessary for the performance of the duties of the minister, officer or employee, and

(ii) in relation to disclosure outside Canada, the outside disclosure is necessary because the individual is temporarily travelling outside Canada;

(e.1) to an individual who is a service provider of the public body, or an employee or associate of such a service provider, if

(i) the information is necessary for the performance of the duties of the individual in relation to the public body, and

(ii) in relation to disclosure outside Canada,

(A) the individual normally receives such disclosure only inside Canada for the purpose of performing those duties, and

(B) the outside disclosure is necessary because the individual is temporarily travelling outside Canada; [Repealed and replaced by 2006-24-10(a)]

(f) to an officer or employee of the public body or to a minister, if the information is immediately necessary for the protection of the health or safety of the officer, employee or minister;

(g) to the Attorney General or legal counsel for the public body, for use in civil proceedings involving the government or public body;

(h) to the minister responsible for the Coroners Act or a person referred to in section 36 of that Act, for the purposes of that Act;

(i) if

(i) the disclosure is for the purposes of collecting amounts owing to the government of British Columbia or a public body by

(A) an individual 

(B) a corporation of which the individual the information is about is or was a director or officer, and

(ii) in relation to disclosure outside Canada, there are reasonable grounds for believing that

(A) the individual the information is about is in, resides in or has assets in the other jurisdiction, or 

(B) if applicable, the corporation was incorporated in, is doing business in or has assets in the other jurisdiction;

(i.1) for the purposes of

(i) a payment to be made to or by the government of British Columbia or a public body, 

(ii) authorizing, administering, processing, verifying or canceling such a payment, or 

(iii) resolving an issue regarding such a payment.[Added by 2005-35-9(b)]

(j) in the case of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, if

(i) the information was obtained or compiled by that public body for purposes of insurance provided by the public body, and

(ii) disclosure of the information is necessary to investigate, manage or settle a specific insurance claim;

(k) for the purposes of

(i) licensing or registration of motor vehicles or drivers, or

(ii) verification of motor vehicle insurance, motor vehicle registration or drivers licences;

(l) for the purposes of licensing, registration, insurance, investigation or discipline of persons regulated inside or outside Canada by governing bodies of professions and occupations;

(m) if

(i) the head of the public body determines that compelling circumstances exist that affect anyone’s health or safety, and

(ii) notice of disclosure is mailed to the last known address of the individual the information is about, unless the head of the public body considers that giving this notice could harm someone’s health or safety;

(n) so that the next of kin or a friend of an injured, ill or deceased individual may be contacted;

(o) in accordance with section 36 (disclosure for archival or historical purposes).

(p) the disclosure

(i) is necessary for

(A) installing, implementing, maintaining, repairing, trouble shooting or upgrading an electronic system or equipment that includes an electronic system, or

(B) data recovery that is being undertaken following failure of an electronic system

that is used in Canada by the public body or by a service provider for the purposes of providing services to a public body, and

(ii) in the case of disclosure outside Canada,

(A) is limited to temporary access and storage for the minimum time necessary for that purpose, and

(B) in relation to data recovery under subparagraph (i) (B), is limited to access and storage only after the system failure has occurred. [Added by 2006-24-10(b)]

(2) In addition to the authority under any other provision of this section or section 33.2, a public body that is a law enforcement agency may disclose personal information referred to in section 33

(a) to another law enforcement agency in Canada, or

(b) to a law enforcement agency in a foreign country under an arrangement, a written agreement, a treaty or provincial or Canadian legislative authority.

(3) The minister responsible for this Act may, by order, allow disclosure outside Canada under a provision of section 33.2 in specific cases or specified circumstances, subject to any restrictions or conditions that the minister considers advisable.

33.2 A public body may disclose personal information referred to in section 33 inside Canada as follows:

(a) for the purpose for which it was obtained or compiled or for a use consistent with that purpose (see section 34);

(b) to comply with a subpoena, warrant or order issued or made by a court, person or body in Canada with jurisdiction to compel the production of information;

(c) to an officer or employee of the public body or to a minister, if the information is necessary for the performance of the duties of the officer, employee or minister;

(d) to an officer or employee of a public body or to a minister, if the information is necessary for the delivery of a common or integrated program or activity and for the performance of the duties of the officer, employee or minister to whom the information is disclosed; [Amended by 2005-35-10]

(e) to an officer or employee of a public body or to a minister, if the information is necessary for the protection of the health or safety of the officer, employee or minister;

(f) to the auditor general or any other prescribed person or body for audit purposes;

(g) to a member of the Legislative Assembly who has been requested by the individual the information is about to assist in resolving a problem;

(h) to a representative of the bargaining agent, who has been authorized in writing by the employee whom the information is about, to make an inquiry;

(i) to a public body or a law enforcement agency in Canada to assist in a specific investigation

(i) undertaken with a view to a law enforcement proceeding, or

(ii) from which a law enforcement proceeding is likely to result;

(j) to the archives of the government of British Columbia or the archives of a public body, for archival purposes;

(k) in accordance with section 35 (disclosure for research or statistical purposes). [Added by 2004-64-4]

34 (1) A use of personal information is consistent under section 32 or 33.2 with the purposes for which the information was obtained or compiled if the use [Amended by 2004-64-5]

(a) has a reasonable and direct connection to that purpose, and

(b) is necessary for performing the statutory duties of, or for operating a legally authorized program of, the public body that uses or discloses the information or causes the information to be used or disclosed. [Amended by 2003-5-11]

(2) [Repealed 2002-13-8]

35 (1) A public body may disclose personal information or may cause personal information in its custody or under its control to be disclosed for a research purpose, including statistical research, only if [Amended by 2003-5-12] [Amended by 2003-38-30(a)]

(a) the research purpose cannot reasonably be accomplished unless that information is provided in individually identifiable form or the research purpose has been approved by the commissioner, [Amended by 2008-38-30(b)]

(a.1) subject to subsection (2), the information is disclosed on condition that it not be used for the purpose of contacting a person to participate in the research,

(b) any record linkage is not harmful to the individuals that information is about and the benefits to be derived from the record linkage are clearly in the public interest,

(c) the head of the public body concerned has approved conditions relating to the following:

(i) security and confidentiality;

(ii) the removal or destruction of individual identifiers at the earliest reasonable time;

(iii) the prohibition of any subsequent use or disclosure of that information in individually identifiable form without the express authorization of that public body, and

(d) the person to whom that information is disclosed has signed an agreement to comply with the approved conditions, this Act and any of the public body's policies and procedures relating to the confidentiality of personal information.

(2) Subsection (1) (a.1) does not apply in respect of research in relation to health issues if the commissioner approves

(a) the research purpose,

(b) the use of disclosed information for the purpose of contacting a person to participate in the research, and

(c) the manner in which contact is to be made, including the information to be made available to persons contacted. [Added by 2008-38-30(c)]

36 (1) The archives of the government of British Columbia, or the archives of a public body, may disclose personal information or cause personal information in its custody or under its control to be disclosed for archival or historical purposes if [Amended by 2003-5-13] [Amended by 2008-12-13(a)]

(a) the disclosure would not be an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy under section 22,

(b) the disclosure is for historical research and is in accordance with section 35,

(c) the information is about someone who has been dead for 20 or more years, or

(d) the information is in a record that has been in existence for 100 or more years.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (3), "institution" means a museum, an archives or a similar institution that is or forms part of a public body or an organization, as the latter is defined in the Personal Information Protection Act.

(3) A board or a francophone education authority, as those are defined in the School Act, may disclose personal information or cause personal information in its custody or under its control to be disclosed to an institution if

(a) the disclosure would not be an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy under section 22,

(b) the disclosure is for historical research and is in accordance with section 35,

(c) the information is about someone who has been dead for 20 or more years, or

(d) the information is in a record that has been in existence for 100 or more years. [Added by 2008-12-13(b)]

Part 4 — Office and Powers of Information and
Privacy Commissioner

37 (1) On the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly, the Lieutenant Governor must appoint as the Information and Privacy Commissioner a person who has been unanimously recommended by a special Committee of the Legislative Assembly for the appointment.

(2) The commissioner is an officer of the Legislature.

(3) Subject to section 38, the commissioner holds office for a term of 6 years.

(4) [Repealed by 2005-25-1]

38 (1) The commissioner may resign at any time by notifying the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or, if there is no speaker or the speaker is absent from British Columbia, by notifying the clerk of the Legislative Assembly.

(2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council must remove the commissioner from office or suspend the commissioner for cause or incapacity on the recommendation of 2/3 of the members present in the Legislative Assembly.

(3) If the Legislative Assembly is not sitting, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may suspend the commissioner for cause or incapacity.

39 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint an acting commissioner if

(a) the office of commissioner is or becomes vacant when the Legislative Assembly is not sitting,

(b) the commissioner is suspended when the Legislative Assembly is not sitting,

(c) the commissioner is removed or suspended or the office of the commissioner becomes vacant when the Legislative Assembly is sitting, but no recommendation is made by the Assembly under section 37 (1) before the end of the session, or

(d) the commissioner is temporarily absent because of illness or for another reason.

(2) An acting commissioner holds office until

(a) a person is appointed under section 37 (1),

(b) the suspension of the commissioner ends,

(c) the Legislative Assembly has sat for 20 days after the date of the acting commissioner's appointment, or

(d) the commissioner returns to office after a temporary absence,

whichever is the case and whichever occurs first.

40 (1) A commissioner appointed under section 37 (1) or 39 (1) is entitled

(a) to be paid, out of the consolidated revenue fund, a salary equal to the salary paid to the chief judge of the Provincial Court, and

(b) to be reimbursed for reasonable travelling and out of pocket expenses personally incurred in performing the duties of the office.

(2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may, on terms and conditions the Lieutenant Governor in Council specifies, order that the Public Service Pension Plan, continued under the Public Sector Pension Plans Act, applies to the commissioner.

(3) If an order is made under subsection (2), the Public Service Pension Plan applies subject to subsection (4). [Amended by 2003-62-2]

(4) When calculating the amount of a pension under the Public Service Pension Plan, each year of service as commissioner must be counted as 1 1/2 years of pensionable service.

(5) [Amended by 1999-44-55], [Repealed by 2003-62-2 ]

41 (1) The commissioner may appoint, in accordance with the Public Service Act, employees necessary to enable the commissioner to perform the duties of the office.

(2) The commissioner may retain any consultants, mediators or other persons and may establish their remuneration and other terms and conditions of their retainers.

(3) The Public Service Act does not apply in respect of a person retained under subsection (2).

(4) The commissioner may make a special report to the Legislative Assembly if, in the commissioner’s opinion,

(a) the amounts and establishment provided for the office of commissioner in the estimates, or

(b) the services provided by the BC Public Service Agency are inadequate for fulfilling the duties of the office. [Amended by 2003-5-14,  2003-88-18]

42 (1) In addition to the commissioner's powers and duties under Part 5 with respect to reviews, the commissioner is generally responsible for monitoring how this Act is administered to ensure that its purposes are achieved, and may

(a) conduct investigations and audits to ensure compliance with any provision of this Act,

(b) make an order described in section 58 (3), whether the order results from an investigation or audit under paragraph (a) or an inquiry under section 56, [Amended by 2004-64-6(a)]

(c) inform the public about this Act,

(d) receive comments from the public about the administration of this Act,

(e) engage in or commission research into anything affecting the achievement of the purposes of this Act, [Amended by 2004-64-6(b)]

(f) comment on the implications for access to information or for protection of privacy of proposed legislative schemes or programs of public bodies,

(g) comment on the implications for access to information or for protection of privacy of automated systems for collection, storage, analysis or transfer of information,

(h) comment on the implications for protection of privacy of using or disclosing personal information for record linkage,

(i) authorize the collection of personal information from sources other than the individual the information is about, and

(j) bring to the attention of the head of a public body any failure to meet the prescribed standards for fulfilling the duty to assist applicants.

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the commissioner may investigate and attempt to resolve complaints that

(a) a duty imposed by this Act or the regulations has not been performed,

(b) an extension of time for responding to a request is not in accordance with section 10(1) [Amended by 2006-24-11],

(c) a fee required under this Act is inappropriate,

(d) a correction of personal information requested under section 29 (1) has been refused without justification, and

(e) personal information has been collected, used or disclosed in contravention of Part 3 by

(i) a public body or an employee, officer or director of a public body, or

(ii) an employee or associate of a service provider.

43 If the head of a public body asks, the commissioner may authorize the public body to disregard requests under section 5 or 29 that

(a) would unreasonably interfere with the operations of the public body because of the repetitious or systematic nature of the requests, or

(b) are frivolous or vexatious. [Amended by 2002-13-9]

44 (1) For the purposes of conducting an investigation or an audit under section 42 or an inquiry under section 56, the commissioner may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:

(a) attend, in person or by electronic means, before the commissioner to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;

(b) produce for the commissioner a record in the custody or under the control of the person, including a record containing personal information.

(2) The commissioner may apply to the Supreme Court for an order

(a) directing a person to comply with an order made under subsection (1), or

(b) directing any directors and officers of a person to cause the person to comply with an order made under subsection (1). [Amended by 2007-9-76(a)]

(2.1) If a person discloses a record that is subject to solicitor client privilege to the commissioner at the request of the commissioner, or under subsection (1) the solicitor client privilege of the record is not affected by the disclosure. [Amended by 2003-5-15]

(3) Despite any other enactment or any privilege of the law of evidence, a public body must produce to the commissioner within 10 days any record or a copy of any record required under subsection (1).

(3.1) The commissioner may require a person to attempt to resolve the person's request for review or complaint against a public body in the way directed by the commissioner before the commissioner begins or continues an investigation under section 42 or an inquiry under section 56. [Added by 2008-12-14]

(3.2) Subsection (3.1) applies whether or not a mediator has been authorized under section 55. [Added by 2008-12-14]

(4) If a public body is required to produce a record under subsection (1) and it is not practicable to make a copy of the record, the head of that public body may require the commissioner to examine the original at its site. [Amended by 2007-9-76(b)]

(5) After completing a review or investigating a complaint, the commissioner must return any record or any copy of any record produced by the public body concerned.

44.1(1) At an oral hearing, the commissioner may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the commissioner may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.

(2) A peace officer called on under subsection (1) may take any action that is necessary to enforce the order or direction and may use such force as is reasonably required for that purpose.

(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the commissioner, by order, may

(a) impose restrictions on a person's continued participation in or attendance at a hearing, and

(b) exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a hearing until the commissioner orders otherwise.

44.2 (1) The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 44 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commissioner, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:

(a) attend before the commissioner;

(b) take an oath or make an affirmation;

(c) answer questions;

(d) produce records in the person's custody or under the person's control.

(2) The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 44.1 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commissioner, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not limit the conduct for which a finding of contempt may be made by the Supreme Court.

45 (1) A statement made or an answer given by a person during an investigation or inquiry by the commissioner is inadmissible in evidence in court or in any other proceeding, except

(a) in a prosecution for perjury in respect of sworn testimony,

(b) in a prosecution for an offence under this Act, or

(c) in an application for judicial review or an appeal from a decision with respect to that application.

(2) Subsection (1) applies also in respect of evidence of the existence of proceedings conducted before the commissioner.

46 Anything said, any information supplied or any record produced by a person during an investigation or inquiry by the commissioner is privileged in the same manner as if the investigation or inquiry were a proceeding in a court.

47 (1) The commissioner and anyone acting for or under the direction of the commissioner must not disclose any information obtained in performing their duties, powers and functions under this Act, except as provided in subsections (2) to (5).

(2) The commissioner may disclose, or may authorize anyone acting on behalf of or under the direction of the commissioner to disclose, information that is necessary to

(a) conduct an investigation, audit or inquiry under this Act, or

(b) establish the grounds for findings and recommendations contained in a report under this Act.

(2.1) The commissioner and anyone acting for or under the direction of the commissioner must not give or be compelled to give evidence in court or in any other proceedings in respect of any records or information obtained in performing their duties or exercising their powers and functions under this Act. [Added by 2008-12-15]

(2.2) Despite subsection (2.1), the commissioner and anyone acting for or under the direction of the commissioner may give or be compelled to give evidence

(a) in a prosecution for perjury in respect of sworn testimony,

(b) in a prosecution for an offence under this Act,

(c) in an investigation, a determination or a review referred to in section 60 (1), or

(d) in an application for judicial review of a decision made under this Act. [Added by 2008-12-15]

(2.3) Subsections (2.1) and (2.2) apply also in respect of evidence of the existence of proceedings conducted before the commissioner.[Added by 2008-12-15]

(3) In conducting an investigation, audit or inquiry under this Act and in a report under this Act, the commissioner and anyone acting for or under the direction of the commissioner must take every reasonable precaution to avoid disclosing and must not disclose

(a) any information the head of a public body would be required or authorized to refuse to disclose if it were contained in a record requested under section 5, or

(b) whether information exists, if the head of a public body in refusing to provide access does not indicate whether the information exists.

(4) The commissioner may disclose to the Attorney General information relating to the commission of an offence against an enactment of British Columbia or Canada if the commissioner considers there is evidence of an offence.

(5) The commissioner may disclose, or may authorize anyone acting for or under the direction of the commissioner to disclose, information in the course of a prosecution, application or appeal referred to in section 45.

48 No proceedings lie against the commissioner, or against a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the commissioner, for anything done, reported or said in good faith in the exercise or performance or the intended exercise or performance of a duty, power or function under this Part or Part 5.

49 (1) Subject to this section, the commissioner may delegate to any person any duty, power or function of the commissioner under this Act, other than the power to delegate under this section. [Amended by 2002-13-10], [Amended by 2003-5-16]

(1.1) The commissioner may not delegate the power to examine information referred to in section 15 if the head of a police force or the Attorney General

(a) has refused to disclose that information under section 15, and

(b) has requested the commissioner not to delegate the power to examine that information.

(1.2) Despite section 66, the head of a police force may not delegate the power to make a request under subsection (1.1) (b). [Amended by 2003-37-22]

(1.3) Despite section 66, the Attorney General may only delegate the power to make a request under subsection (1.1) (b) to the Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Criminal Justice Branch. [Added by 2003-37-22]

(2) A delegation under subsection (1) must be in writing and may contain any conditions or restrictions the commissioner considers appropriate.

50 The Ombudsman may not investigate any matter that the commissioner has the power to investigate or review under this Act unless the commissioner agrees.

51 (1) The commissioner must report annually to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on

(a) the work of the commissioner's office, and

(b) any complaints or reviews resulting from a decision, act or failure to act of the commissioner as head of a public body.

(2) The Speaker must lay each annual report before the Legislative Assembly as soon as possible.

Part 5 — Reviews and Complaints

Division 1 — Reviews by the Commissioner

52 (1) A person who makes a request to the head of a public body, other than the commissioner or the registrar under the Lobbyists Registration Act, for access to a record or for correction of personal information may ask the commissioner to review any decision, act or failure to act of the head that relates to that request, including any matter that could be the subject of a complaint under section 42 (2). [Amended by 2006-24-12],

(2) A third party notified under section 24 of a decision to give access may ask the commissioner to review any decision made about the request by the head of a public body, other than the commissioner or the registrar under the Lobbyists Registration Act. [Amended by 2001-42-12], [Amended by 2006-24-12],

53 (1) To ask for a review under this Division, a written request must be delivered to the commissioner.

(2) A request for a review of a decision of the head of a public body must be delivered within

(a) 30 days after the person asking for the review is notified of the decision, or

(b) a longer period allowed by the commissioner.

(3) The failure of the head of a public body to respond in time to a request for access to a record is to be treated as a decision to refuse access to the record, but the time limit in subsection (2) (a) for delivering a request for review does not apply.

54 On receiving a request for a review, the commissioner must give a copy to

(a) the head of the public body concerned, and

(b) any other person that the commissioner considers appropriate.

54.1(1) After the head of a public body has responded to a request under section 5 and a request for review of that response has been received under section 52, the commissioner may, at any time, by order,

(a) confirm that the head of a public body has failed to sever the records that are the subject of the review, as required by this Act, and

(b) require the head of the public body to sever the records in accordance with the directions and within the period set out in the order.

(2) The commissioner may not set a period for severing a record under subsection (1) that is less than 30 days after the date a copy of the order is given to the head of the public body concerned. [Added by 2008-12-16]

55 The commissioner may authorize a mediator to investigate and to try to settle a matter under review.

56 (1) If the matter is not referred to a mediator or is not settled under section 55, the commissioner may conduct an inquiry and decide all questions of fact and law arising in the course of the inquiry. [Amended by 2002-13-11]

(2) An inquiry under subsection (1) may be conducted in private.

(3) The person who asked for the review, the head of the public body concerned and any person given a copy of the request for a review must be given an opportunity to make representations to the commissioner during the inquiry.

(4) The commission