The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) establishes a general right of access to records held by municipal government, local agencies, school boards and commissions, using these principles:
- Any information held by government should, in general, be available to the public
- Any exemptions from the right of access to information should be limited and specific
- Any decisions relating to access to information can be reviewed by the independent Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario
- Any person may make a request for information held by a government institution covered by the Act
How to obtain a copy of a request form?
A generic request form for filing a request for information can be obtained on the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario website at Request Form FIPPA/MFIPPA.
How much does a request cost?
There is a mandatory $5.00 application fee that must be paid when submitting a Freedom of Information request. Additional fees may be incurred under Section 45 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Please be advised the $5.00 application fee cannot be waived and is non-refundable.
Additional costs for searching, photocopying, severing etc. may apply to a request.
What is the time frame for completing a request?
The Board responds to a request within 30 days of receiving the request and the $5.00 application fee. For requests that involve a large number of records, require an extensive search, or consultation with an external third party, the time limit can be extended.
Will I be notified of a time extension?
Where a request involves a large number of records or requires an extensive search for records, the Board will provide you with a time extension or a fee estimate based on the estimated number of hours it will take staff to search for the records.
Is there any way to expedite my request?
Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite a request. A note may be written on the request form that records are needed urgently, however, there are not guarantees a response will be made available before the 30-day time frame.
Making a Freedom of Information Request
Requests may be submitted in person or by mail at the school board's business office at:
Durham Catholic District School Board
650 Rossland Road West
Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4
Attention: Privacy Office
Contact Us
For more information, call our Board's Privacy Office at 905-576-6150 ext. 22317.
