Freedom of Information Requests

The British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) provides individuals with the right to request access to records held by public bodies within the province. This legislation supports greater transparency, accountability, and trust in public institutions.

What is a Freedom of Information Request?

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request is a formal request submitted in writing by an individual or organization to obtain access to records held by a public body. FOI requests must be specific as to the records being sought and the relevant timeframe. FOI requests are not intended for general inquiries or questions.

There are two types of FOI requests:

Personal FOI requests: These requests are for records containing your own personal information held by a public body—such as your files (ie: employee record), correspondence, or information about a person you have legal authority to represent (ie: student record).
There are no fees for Personal FOI requests.
General FOI requests: These are requests for non‑personal information (ie: formal reports, audits) about district programs or activities.
General FOI requests require a $10 application fee and may incur additional processing fees.

What is a record?

Under FIPPA, a record includes any form of recorded information in the custody or under the control of a public body, whether written, digital or audiovisual.

A record can include: books, documents, maps, drawings, photographs, letters, vouchers, papers and any other thing on which information is recorded or stored by graphic, electronic, mechanical or other means.

However, FIPPA does not apply to:

Computer programs or any other mechanism that produces records.
Records that are already publicly available. https://district.deltasd335.upanupstage.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Records-available-to-the-Public-Without-a-Request-for-Access-Final.pdf
Records that are available for purchase by the public.

REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO RECORDS

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests require a non-refundable application fee of $10 to be submitted with each general request for non-personal information. Records (ie: formal reports, audits) about district programs or activities are considered general, non-personal records. However, the records may still contain personal information within them, thus that personal information must be protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act).

Under section 75 of the Act, the Delta School District is permitted to charge additional fees for processing your request. The first three hours of staff time to locate and retrieve records are included within the $10 application fee. Additional time will be charged at a rate of $7.50 per ¼ hour.

Documents will be provided electronically. Should you require hard copies, copying charges are $0.25/page, and shipping will be the actual cost. You may reduce the fees payable by narrowing your request or picking up the information rather than having it sent by courier. Fees (if applicable) are due as follows:
- a deposit due before the district proceeds further with your request.
- the balance of the fee due prior to receiving the records.
You will be notified prior to work commencing on the file if additional fees beyond the $10 application fee will be applicable. If you are unsure of how to request the information you are seeking, contact us at privacy@deltaschools.ca.

To make a request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“Act”) for access to records within the custody or control of the Board of Education of School District No. 37 (Delta), please complete the information set out below and click submit at the end of the form.

Questions on how to submit a request may be directed to the Privacy Officer at privacy@deltaschools.ca. .
Name*
First Last
Company Name (if applicable):
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Email*
Phone
Details of Requested Information (Describe the records you are requesting. Be as specific as possible, as this will assist the request process):*
If known, specify the name of the department or program area responsible for the records you are requesting:
Are you requesting access to your own personal information?*
- Yes
- No
When requesting copies of your own personal information, you may be asked to provide proof of identity before records will be released.
Are you requesting access to someone else's personal information?*
- Yes, I have a signed authorization
- No
If you are making a request for personal information on behalf of another person, please attach the written authorization form from the individual whose information you are requesting. If you are unable to attach the file below, please email it to: privacy@deltaschools.ca
Is your request general and does not involve personal records?*
- Yes
- No
Click on the link below to pay the $10 fee:
Link to Payment Site
Delivery
- By email
- In person pick up
By clicking “I agree” you acknowledge that you are signing this form electronically and you agree that your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your hand signature on this form, and you consent to the collection of your personal information for the purpose of responding to your request for access to records.**
- I agree
Personal information is collected by the Delta School District pursuant to Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for the purpose of responding to your request application with the Delta School District. Questions about the collection, use and disclosure of information can be directed to the district Privacy Officer at privacy@deltaschools.ca.