British Columbia

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

RSBC 1996 c 165

Open Records Transparency: 63/100 (good) Transparency Score: 63/100

RTI Rating: 94 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
30 days
Extension
30 days

Business days. Extension allowed for consultations, volume, or third-party notice.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • Email
  • Mail
  • Online form
  • In person

Must be in writing. No specific format required.

Fees

Fee Type Amount Notes
Copies (per page) USD0.25

Application fee: $10. Search: $30/hour (first 3 hours free). Duplication: $0.25/page.

Fee Waivers

  • Applicant cannot afford fees
  • Information of public interest

Head of public body may waive or reduce fees.

Exemptions

  • Cabinet and Local Government Confidences
    Cabinet and municipal council confidences
  • Law Enforcement
    Information that could harm law enforcement

Harm-based exemptions require public interest test.

Appeal Process

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BC has one of the strongest provincial FOI laws in Canada.