iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Wondering about the steps to making an access request? Download our infographic, How to make an access request. www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/in... Thanks for joining us this week as we celebrated Right to Know Week and the International Day for Universal Access to Information. #RTK2026

Infographic showing the steps to making an access request

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

You can also request records that are held by a provincial ministry or agency. Note: if you want to request records from Crown Corporations, school districts, or health authorities, contact them directly, as they process their own records. #RTK2026

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The type of personal information you can request from a public body in an FOI request is varied. It includes personal information from government records about yourself or, if appropriate, on behalf of someone else. #RTK2026

tile outlining the type of Personal information you can request from a public body

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

On September 30, the OIPC will respectfully observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as well as Orange Shirt Day in our continuing efforts to advance truth and reconciliation. Information about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-...

canada.ca

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Canada.ca

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed September 30. The day honours First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors and their families and communities and ensures that public commemoratio...

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Under BC’s FIPPA, applicants have the right to make a request to a public body for access to records & a public body must respond to the request. Our guidance can help public bodies & individuals understand the FOI process. Download FIPPA FOI Process guidance: www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/gu... #RTK2026

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), applies to over 2,900 "public bodies," including ministries, local governments, schools, crown corporations, hospitals, municipal police forces, and more. #RTK2026

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Deputy Commissioner Jeannette Van Den Bulk, shown here at the ICIC/IDUAI conference in Sierra Leone, thanks host Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman/Information Commissioner, Sierra Leone. She participated in a panel discussion, “Access to Credible Data for Open Government and Public Sector Reform."

Deputy Commissioner Jeannette Van Den Bulk with host Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman/Information Commissioner, Sierra Leone, at the ICIC/IDUAI conference in Sierra Leone.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Nine OIPC staff and four canine friends joined MitoCanada's annual Light Up for Mito Walk in Victoria to raise awareness about mitochondrial diseases. Buildings in downtown Victoria were lit up in green as part of World Mitochondrial Disease Week 2026.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Today is Right to Know Day, an international day celebrating the right to access information from public bodies. Follow us here as we provide information and tips about your Right to Know, all week long. #RTK2026

image of a woman at her laptop for Right to Know Week 2026

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia (OIPC) has released the following statement for Right to Know Week 2026, which the office will mark from September 28 to October 2, 2026: oipc.bc.ca/documents/ne...

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Consultation underway: The OIPC is holding a public consultation to learn about the experiences of applicants and public bodies with large volume requests. Participate in the consultation: lnkd.in/gX7BbWZM Learn more: lnkd.in/gi8KCx6G

public consultation on interim time extension framework

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Canada's information and privacy regulators concluded their annual meeting yesterday in Ottawa. They came together this week to discuss how to safeguard transparency, privacy, and accountability in the face of rapid technological change.

Canada's information and privacy regulators at their annual meeting in Ottawa.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Today, Canada's commissioners & ombuds discussed how access to information supports transparency & public understanding of government decision-making; they explored how new technologies are changing the way government records are created/managed, & the implications for access rights and privacy.

Deputy Commissioner Jeannette Van Den Bulk, BC Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey and Deputy Commissioner oline Twiss at the FPT conference in Ottawa

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Attendees of the annual commissioners and ombuds meeting visited the Supreme Court of Canada yesterday, where they met with the Honourable Mahmud Jamal. L to R: Deputy Commissioner Jeannette Van Den Bulk, BC Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey, and Deputy Commissioner oline Twiss.

Deputy Commissioner Jeannette Van Den Bulk, BC Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey, and Deputy Commissioner oline Twiss.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Today was the first day of the annual meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Information and Privacy Commissioners and Ombuds, this year hosted by the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada in Ottawa, Canada.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The annual meeting of Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial information & privacy commissioners & ombuds is underway in Ottawa. The meeting will examine key issues at the intersection of emerging technologies, national security, transparency & public trust in the digital age.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

At a glance: Interim time extension framework for large time extension requests. Download the infographic: oipc.bc.ca/documents/in...

infographic of interim FOI time extension framework

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

News Release: OIPC launches consultation on large volume freedom of information requests. Read the full release: oipc.bc.ca/documents/ne... Download "Time extension guidelines for public bodies": www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/gu...

news release for launch of OIPC FOI consultation

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Concerned about privacy breaches? Our guidance for public and privacy sector organizations can help. It outlines how to prevent privacy breaches, respond quickly when one does happen, and help people affected by identity theft. Download the guidance here: oipc.bc.ca/documents/gu...

identity theft quick reference for public bodies and organizations

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

If you suspect you've been the victim of identity theft or have received a privacy breach notification, act quickly to minimize any damage. Here are five steps to take right away. Download the infographic: oipc.bc.ca/documents/gu...

five step to take if you suspect you're the victim of identity theft

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Are you using AI tools for your everyday tasks, including making a submission to our office? Check out our new guidance, "Before you rely on AI: what to know," for tips and best practices. Download: oipc.bc.ca/documents/gu...

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

New guidance from the OIPC aims to help public bodies, private sector organizations, and individuals prevent and respond to identity threat. Read the news release: oipc.bc.ca/documents/ne... Read the guidance: www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/gu...

shown is the cover of the identify theft guidance document and a quote from Commissioner Harvey about its intended use.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

News release: Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey confirmed today that his Office is examining the cybersecurity risks and loss of transparency associated with the removal of public access to the BC Government Directory. Read the full release: www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/ne...

News release detailing OIPC examination into the removal of the BC Government Directory.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Join the OIPC on Nov. 2, 2026, for a 1-day, in-person conference. "Trust, transparency, and technology: Access to information in BC." For BC FOI professionals, public-sector organizations, media, civil society & the public. Early-bird rates til Aug. 31. Info, to register, oipc.bc.ca/news-events/...

flyer for OIPC access to information conference Nov. 2 in Vancouver SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Last night, at an event hosted by Advantage Property Management, Trevor Presley, OIPC Director of Investigations, and Tess Kim, OIPC Policy Analyst, offered a workshop to approximately 75 strata council members, and provided information and solutions for some of these common issues.

Photo of strata council members around a boardroom table.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

The OIPC & Information & Privacy Commissioner of Ontario have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to allow the Commissioners to assist, consult, cooperate, & share relevant information with one another with regards to matters arising under their respective Statutes. Info: oipc.bc.ca/media/18438/...

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

We're hiring a Senior Investigator for the newly established Emerging Information and Privacy Technologies team. Apply through this link: www.oipc.bc.ca/about/careers/

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The number of requests for review of access to information decisions made to the OIPC increased by 47%, from 755 in 2024-25 to 1,110 in 2025-26 OIPC Annual Report and Service Plan 2025/26: oipc.bc.ca/documents/news-releases/…

Requests for review rose 47%, increasing from 775 to 1,110 according to the 2025/26 OIPC Annual Report. Image of OIPC Annual Report and Service Plan 2025-26 cover.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Access complaints - made when there are concerns about how a public body or organization processed an access request – increased by 75%, from 448 in 2024-25 to 784 in 2025-26. OIPC Annual Report and Service Plan 2025/26: oipc.bc.ca/documents/budget-annual-…

Access complaints rose 75%, increasing from 448 to 784, highlighted alongside the OIPC 2025/26 Annual Report cover.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The number of privacy complaints made to the OIPC under both our public and private sector laws nearly doubled, from 456 in 2024-25 to 904 in 2025-2026. OIPC Annual Report and Service Plan 2025/26: oipc.bc.ca/documents/budget-annual-…

Privacy complaints surged from 456 to 904, nearly doubling according to the 2025/26 OIPC Annual Report and Service Plan. Image of Annual Report and Service Plan cover.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Commissioner Harvey discusses the OIPC Annual Report and Service Plan 2025/26: youtu.be/OmswONvnBRo

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

News Release: Annual Report and Service Plan 2025/2026: Commissioner calls for reform to modernize laws to build trust amid unprecedented demand for OIPC services oipc.bc.ca/documents/news-releases/…

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Overview of our newly published investigation report: Collecting & reporting public body FOI metrics: oipc.bc.ca/documents/infographics/3… Full report: oipc.bc.ca/documents/investigation-…

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

News release: Commissioner calls for mandatory reporting of public body FOI metrics as new report reveals transparency gap oipc.bc.ca/documents/news-releases/… Investigation Report: Collecting and reporting public body FOI metrics oipc.bc.ca/documents/investigation-…

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Read Commissioner Michael Harvey's editorial, which appeared in today's Vancouver Sun. Opinion: We need a new social contract for the Information Age. www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/pu...

Buttons on a screen showing ChatGPT, AI Chat icons

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Thanks for joining us for Privacy Awareness Week. We leave you with one last tip when using AI: Think before you share. Information entered into an AI tool may be retained for long periods and be hard, or impossible, to delete. #PAW

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

News release: Canvas privacy breach affecting secondary and post-secondary institutions in British Columbia Download the release oipc.bc.ca/documents/ne...

News release about Canvas privacy breach

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

“We need to make sure that AI works for us, not the other way around. This is how we can lay the groundwork for trustworthy innovation.” – BC Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey #PAW

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

As AI becomes part of everyday life, these simple steps can help you safeguard your personal information when using these tools. Download our infographic here: www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/in...

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Deputy Commissioner Jeannette Van Den Bulk shared her views at the IAPP Privacy Symposium 2026 on a panel entitled "Privacy in Public: Balancing Safety and Surveillance in the Digital Age" with moderator COLIN BENNETT, left, and fellow panellist Colin Stairs. #PAW #privacy

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

BC Commissioner Michael Harvey: “This report speaks to a fundamental disconnect between how one of the world’s most popular and widely used artificial intelligence applications works and what our privacy law, and the principles that underpin it, demand.” View video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL99...

youtube.com

Investigation Report 26-03: Joint investigation into OpenAI LLC

YouTube video by OIPC BC / BC ORL

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Canadian privacy regulators’ joint investigation into ChatGPT leads to improvements in users’ privacy; OpenAI still not fully compliant with BC’s privacy legislation. Below, Commissioners Dufresne, left, & Harvey. News release: oipc.bc.ca/documents/ne... Report: oipc.bc.ca/documents/in...

Commissioners Dufresne and Harvey at news conference

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

OIPC Legal Counsel Ethan Plato Plato, second from right, shared our office's work yesterday on a regulators' panel entitled "Trends and Lessons from 2025 Cases" at #IAPPSymposium26. #privacy

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Commissioner Michael Harvey shared the BC perspective this morning in a panel at #IAPPSymposium26 entitled "Shields Up! Perspectives on Cybersecurity Best Practices in Canada." #privacy #cybersecurity

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

"How do we move forward with innovation while protecting the rights of the people we serve? Privacy rights are front and centre." - Commissioner Michael Harvey #PAW #privacyawarenessweek #privacyrights

Poster for Privacy Awareness Week, stressing smart choices

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

This year, the IAPP invited CPOs to join the Commissioner Game Show at #IAPPSymposium26. Right, Commissioner Harvey, on the Blue Team with Commissioner Philippe Dufresne & CPO Darron Flagg, tackles a tough few words (the answer was IAPP CEO/President J. Trevor Hughes!) in the Pictionary style game.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Deputy Commissioner Jeannette Van Den Bulk visited Prince Rupert last Thursday and Friday and gave presentations to the BC School District Executive Assistants Conference and a group of principals. #privacy #access

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

FIFA Statement: New joint statement from BC and ON Commissioners Michael Harvey and Patricia Kosseim highlights importance of protecting privacy and information rights both during and after world cup games in Toronto and Vancouver. Read the full statement: oipc.bc.ca/documents/ne...

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

This week is Privacy Awareness Week, a global initiative developed to highlight the importance of privacy rights. This year’s theme is “Smart Tech, Smarter Choices: Protecting Your Privacy in the Age of AI.” Stay with us this week as we highlight the importance of privacy rights. #PAW

Smart tech poster for Privacy Awareness Week

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC @oipcbc.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Media Advisory: On May 6 at 11:00 am ET, BC Commissioner Harvey, federal Commissioner Dufresne, & provincial counterparts @CAI_Quebec, and @ABoipc will hold a news conference to discuss the findings of their joint investigation into OpenAI’s #ChatGPT. Read full advisory: oipc.bc.ca/documents/ne...

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