Information and Privacy Commissioner (Ontario) - Mandate

Mandate

The commissioner is appointed by and reports to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and is independent of the government of the day. The function of the office is to uphold and promote open government and the protection of personal privacy in Ontario. The IPC also has responsibility for the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA, 1991) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA, 2004).

Together, these three Acts establish rules about how the institutions covered may collect, use, and disclose personal data. They also establish a right of access that enables individuals to request their own personal information and have it corrected if necessary.

The term "freedom of information" refers to public access to general records relating to the activities of government, ranging from administration and operations to legislation and policy. It is an important aspect of open and accountable government. Privacy protection is the other side of that equation, and refers to the safeguarding of personal information held by government.

Under the three acts and statutory mandate, the IPC is responsible for:

• Resolving access to information appeals and complaints when government or health care practitioners and organizations refuse to grant requests for access or correction;
• Investigating privacy complaints with respect to personal information held by government or health care practitioners and organizations;
• Ensuring that the government organizations and health information custodians comply with the provisions of the Acts;
• Educating the public about Ontario's access and privacy laws;
• Conducting research on access and privacy issues, and providing advice and comment on proposed government legislation and programs.