Access and Privacy Online

FIPA Shorts: How FOI Sits Between Operational and Administrative Record Keeping

In this segment of our end-of-year discussion, FIPA researcher Spencer Izen discusses his insights into FOI and operational and administrative record keeping. 

Tune in to hear the full discussion in the coming weeks.

• 2025 Access Assessment Preliminary Report https://fipa.bc.ca/aa/preliminary-report-2025/  
• Access Regimes: Social Studies of Recordkeeping, Bureaucracy, and Secrecy under Freedom of Information Law: https://osf.io/n2xmu/overview  
• BC Broader Public Sector Requests: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/2024-bc-broader-public-sector-requests/  
• BC Core Government Requests: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/2024-bc-core-government-requests/  
• Access Assessment Release Packages: https://fipa.bc.ca/aa/2025-release-packages/  

Reporting  

• What’s the ‘black box’ of B.C.’s freedom of information systems? Watchdog study shining light on little-understood process: https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/whats-the-black-box-of-bcs-freedom-of-information-systems-watchdog-study-shining-light-on-little-understood-process/ 

Support these efforts by subscribing or donating. 

Send comments to FIPAOnline@fipa.bc.ca 

Access and Privacy Commentary: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-commentary/  

Access and Privacy Online: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-online/ 

News stories through the Canadian Press and Feedly. 

Available through: PodBean, Apple iTunes, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM 

News Summary December 20th, 2025

This is your Access and Privacy News Summary for Saturday, December 20th.  

As we close out our final news summary of 2025, this week’s stories bring together a familiar set of themes: how access to information exposes public risk, how governments are reshaping decision-making behind closed doors, and how emerging technologies—from artificial intelligence to biometric surveillance—are testing the limits of privacy law around the world. 

We’ll begin with national reporting shaped by access-to-information requests, then move through Local Journalism Initiative stories on accountability, spending, and environmental risk. From there, we turn to growing debates over Canadian AI data centres, before closing with international access-to-information battles and a condensed look at the Trump-era ripple effects across U.S. institutions. 

A quick reminder: Bill C-4 is now at first reading in the Senate. It’s not too late to contact committee members or your Member of Parliament. We hope many of our listeners would agree—especially this time of year—political parties shouldn’t be allowed to put Canadians on secret naughty lists. Be sure to follow the show notes to let them know. 

Show Notes: https://fipa.bc.ca/nm/20251220-access-and-privacy-online 

Individual Stories: https://fipa.bc.ca/tag/2025-season-episode-51  

FIPA Bill C-4 

• UPDATED Call to Action: https://fipa.bc.ca/bill-c-4-2025/ 

• FIPA Bill C-4 Part 4 Dashboard: https://fipa.bc.ca/fipa-bill-c-4-part-4-dashboard/ 

• Bill C-4 Part 4 line-by-line and brief: https://fipa.bc.ca/bill-c-4-part-4-line-by-line-and-brief/ 

Support these efforts by subscribing or donating. 

Send comments to FIPAOnline@fipa.bc.ca 

Our Contributors: 

Writing: Shaun Fisk | Production: Patrick Farnsworth | Music: Breakmaster Cylinder  

Access and Privacy Online: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-online/  

News stories through the Canadian Press and Feedly. 

Available through: PodBean, Apple iTunes,  YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM. ListenNotes,  Podchaser, Boomplay 

News Summary December 13th, 2025

This is your Access and Privacy News Summary for Saturday, December 13th.  

As we head into the holiday season, it’s another big week for access and privacy. Local Journalism Initiative reporting uncovers serious questions about water safety, council transparency, and digital surveillance at home. Nationally, we’re seeing renewed pressure around the Ring of Fire, critical minerals, and Indigenous consent. Around the world, governments are reshaping whistleblower protections, social media rules for kids, and even how far U.S. presidential power can reach. 

We’ll move from Canadian access-to-information stories, through whistleblowers and privacy on campus and in our streets, before turning to international developments, U.S. institutional dynamics, and America’s growing influence on the digital rights of travelers. 

Show Notes: https://fipa.bc.ca/nm/20251213-access-and-privacy-online 

Individual Stories: https://fipa.bc.ca/tag/2025-season-episode-50 

FIPA on Bill C-4  

• UPDATED Call to Action https://fipa.bc.ca/bill-c-4-2025/  
• FIPA Bill C-4 Part 4 Dashboard https://fipa.bc.ca/fipa-bill-c-4-part-4-dashboard/  
• Bill C-4 Part 4 line-by-line and brief  https://fipa.bc.ca/bill-c-4-part-4-line-by-line-and-brief/  

Support these efforts by subscribing or donating. 

Send comments to FIPAOnline@fipa.bc.ca 

Our Contributors: 

Writing: Shaun Fisk | Production: Patrick Farnsworth | Music: Breakmaster Cylinder  

Access and Privacy Online: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-online/  

News stories through the Canadian Press and Feedly. 

Available through: PodBean, Apple iTunes,  YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM. ListenNotes,  Podchaser, Boomplay 

Commentary: BC Information Commissioner Michael Harvey

BC Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey returns to Access and Privacy Online to speak with FIPA President Mike Larsen, Executive Director Jason Woywada, and producer Patrick Farnsworth.  

Commissioner Harvey addresses several key subjects, including the BC government's latest report on the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act and concerns that people are losing faith in the FOI system as a means to an end of transparency; the perils of misinformation and loss of public trust; the information ecosystem and the need to balance budgetary concerns and investment; privacy and educational technology; and Canadian data sovereignty. 

Support these efforts by subscribing or donating. 

Send comments to FIPAOnline@fipa.bc.ca 

Show notes: https://fipa.bc.ca/nm/20251124-bc-oipc-commissioner-michael-harvey 

Access and Privacy Online: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-online/ 

News stories through the Canadian Press and Feedly. 

Available through: PodBean, Apple iTunes,  YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM. ListenNotes,  Podchaser, Boomplay  

News Summary December 6th, 2025

This is your Access and Privacy News Summary for Saturday, December 6th.  

This week, police-worn body cameras are expanding across the country—and in some places, they’re being paired with new AI tools that raise serious questions about oversight and public transparency. We’re also watching a surge of major developments out of Alberta, from an influential access-to-information ruling to new concerns about digital ID, health-care numbers, and AI-driven infrastructure.  

Across Canada, we have important stories about long-term care gaps for Indigenous Elders, cyberattacks, fraud risks, and a growing wave of holiday scams. And internationally, major rulings and investigations are shaping what we know—and what the public may soon learn—about powerful institutions, from social media platforms to the U.S. justice system.  

And a reminder: the Senate is expected to move quickly on the federal bill that would allow political parties to operate outside Canada’s privacy principles. You’ll find links in our show notes where you can make your voice heard—with the Minister and with your local Member of Parliament. 

Show Notes: https://fipa.bc.ca/nm/20251206-access-and-privacy-online 

Individual Stories: https://fipa.bc.ca/tag/2025-season-episode-49 

Protect your rights, Canadian MPs need to: 

Stop Bill C-2 https://iclmg.ca/stop-bill-c-2/  

Stop Bill C-4 Part 4 https://fipa.bc.ca/bill-c-4-2025/ 

Support these efforts by subscribing or donating. 

Send comments to FIPAOnline@fipa.bc.ca 

Our Contributors: 

Writing: Shaun Fisk | Production: Patrick Farnsworth | Music: Breakmaster Cylinder  

Access and Privacy Online: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-online/  

News stories through the Canadian Press and Feedly. 

Available through: PodBean, Apple iTunes,  YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM. ListenNotes,  Podchaser, Boomplay 

FIPA Shorts: BCOIPC Commissioner - Transparency, Trust, and Misinformation

BC Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey returns to Access and Privacy Online to speak with FIPA President Mike Larsen, Executive Director Jason Woywada, and producer Patrick Farnsworth. Here is a brief segment of our interview. 

Following the release of a joint statement from Commissioners across Canada calling for government action, the Commissioner unpacks how the lack of transparency from public bodies erodes trust and fuels misinformation.  

Be sure to check back for the full interview, which goes online in the week ahead. 

Support these efforts by subscribing or donating. 

Send comments to FIPAOnline@fipa.bc.ca 

Access and Privacy Commentaries: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-commentary/  

Access and Privacy Online: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-online/ 

News stories through the Canadian Press and Feedly. 

• Report on the Administration of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act 2024/25: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/initiatives-plans-strategies/open-government/open-information/annual_report_on_the_administration_of_foippa_fy_24-25.pdf  

• Are People Losing Trust in BC’s FOI System?: https://thetyee.ca/News/2025/11/07/Are-People-Losing-Trust-BC-FOI-System/   

• Canada’s information regulators call on their respective governments to promote a more robust information ecosystem: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/news-releases/3047   

• OIPC / ORL Budget submission Fiscal years 2026/27 - 2028/29: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/budget-annual-report-service-plans/3037   

• OIPC Trust in the Age of Information 2025/26 - 2027/28 Strategic Plan: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/special-reports/3028   

• Protecting the privacy of children and youth through responsible use of educational technologies in the classroom: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/infographics/3051   

• Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services: https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/committees/43rd-1stsession-fgs   

• Friday, November 21, 2025 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM: https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/committees/43rdparliament-1stsession-fgs/meetings/3460   

• Includes: Annual Review of Statutory Offices of British Columbia: Three-year rolling service plans, annual report and budgetary estimates for fiscal years 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29: Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner: https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Committees/43rd1st/fgs/20251121am-Finance-Victoria-Blues.htm   

• Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner, Budget Submission, 2026/27: https://www.leg.bc.ca/committee-content/19717/IPC_Budget-Submission_2026-2027_FGS.pdf  

• Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner, Budget Tables, 2026/27: https://www.leg.bc.ca/committee-content/19719/IPC_Budget-Tables_2026-27_FGS.pdf  

• Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner, Annual Report, 2024/25: https://www.leg.bc.ca/committee-content/19718/IPC_Annual-Report_2024-25_FGS.pdf  

FIPA Shorts: BCOIPC Commissioner - FOI Trends

BC Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey returns to Access and Privacy Online to speak with FIPA President Mike Larsen, Executive Director Jason Woywada, and producer Patrick Farnsworth. Here is a brief segment of our interview. 

The province of BC recently released their Report on the Administration of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for 2024/25. The numbers show requests dropping, costs going up, and complaints increasing. We ask the commissioner to give us his take on what those mean. 

Be sure to check back for the full interview, which goes online in the week ahead.  

Support these efforts by subscribing or donating. 

Send comments to FIPAOnline@fipa.bc.ca 

Access and Privacy Commentaries: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-commentary/  

Access and Privacy Online: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-online/ 

News stories through the Canadian Press and Feedly. 

• Report on the Administration of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act 2024/25: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/initiatives-plans-strategies/open-government/open-information/annual_report_on_the_administration_of_foippa_fy_24-25.pdf 

• Are People Losing Trust in BC’s FOI System?: https://thetyee.ca/News/2025/11/07/Are-People-Losing-Trust-BC-FOI-System/  

• Canada’s information regulators call on their respective governments to promote a more robust information ecosystem: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/news-releases/3047  

• OIPC / ORL Budget submission Fiscal years 2026/27 - 2028/29: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/budget-annual-report-service-plans/3037  

• OIPC Trust in the Age of Information 2025/26 - 2027/28 Strategic Plan: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/special-reports/3028  

• Protecting the privacy of children and youth through responsible use of educational technologies in the classroom: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/documents/infographics/3051  

• Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services: https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/committees/43rd-1stsession-fgs  

• Friday, November 21, 2025 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM: https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/committees/43rdparliament-1stsession-fgs/meetings/3460  

• Includes: Annual Review of Statutory Offices of British Columbia: Three-year rolling service plans, annual report and budgetary estimates for fiscal years 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29: Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner: https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Committees/43rd1st/fgs/20251121am-Finance-Victoria-Blues.htm  

• Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner, Budget Submission, 2026/27: https://www.leg.bc.ca/committee-content/19717/IPC_Budget-Submission_2026-2027_FGS.pdf 

• Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner, Budget Tables, 2026/27: https://www.leg.bc.ca/committee-content/19719/IPC_Budget-Tables_2026-27_FGS.pdf 

• Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner, Annual Report, 2024/25: https://www.leg.bc.ca/committee-content/19718/IPC_Annual-Report_2024-25_FGS.pdf 

 

News Summary November 29th, 2025

This is your Access and Privacy News Summary for Saturday, November 29th.  

This week, the national spotlight is squarely on children’s privacy and online safety. Advocates are renewing calls for federal action as harms escalate, from AI-driven manipulation to tragic failures in youth mental health information practices. And as families head into holiday shopping, experts warn that AI-powered toys may be creating new risks inside the home. 

We’ll then turn to whistleblowers exposing accountability gaps inside universities and provincial systems… significant cyber findings from Alberta and Nova Scotia… and a series of access-to-information stories that show how transparency continues to reveal mismanagement across the country. 

Internationally, a major court ruling against Meta could shape digital privacy across Europe. And in the United States, a sweeping investigation into predictive surveillance, AI regulation, and the pressure to release the Epstein files is raising urgent questions about civil liberties. 

Show Notes: https://fipa.bc.ca/nm/20251129-access-and-privacy-online/

Individual Stories: https://fipa.bc.ca/tag/2025-season-episode-48 

Protect your rights, Canadian MPs need to: 

Stop Bill C-2 https://iclmg.ca/stop-bill-c-2/  

Stop Bill C-4 Part 4 https://fipa.bc.ca/bill-c-4-2025/ 

Support these efforts by subscribing or donating. 

Send comments to FIPAOnline@fipa.bc.ca 

Our Contributors: 

Writing: Shaun Fisk | Production: Patrick Farnsworth | Music: Breakmaster Cylinder  

Access and Privacy Online: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-online/  

News stories through the Canadian Press and Feedly. 

Available through: PodBean, Apple iTunes,  YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM. ListenNotes,  Podchaser, Boomplay