The role of the Information and Privacy Commissioner is set out in three statutes: the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act. The IPC acts independently of government to uphold and promote open government and the protection of personal privacy.
Under the three Acts, the Information and Privacy Commissioner:
- Resolves access to information appeals and complaints when government or health care practitioners and organizations refuse to grant requests for access or correction;
- Investigates complaints with respect to personal information held by government or health care practitioners and organizations;
- Conducts research into access and privacy issues;
- Comments on proposed government legislation and programs; and
- Educates the public about Ontario’s access and privacy laws.