Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) follows provincial legislation to protect the privacy of an individual’s personal information.

Before making a request

Many OCSB records are available without making a formal FOI request under MFIPPA. If you can’t find what you are looking for on our website, email us at info@ocsb.ca. If you are still looking for specific information, contact the OCSB Manager of Corporate Affairs by phone or email (below) to determine if a formal request for information should be submitted.

How to make an FOI request

Complete the online FOI Request Form and submit the $5 application fee by credit card stating that you are requesting information or asking for your personal information under MFIPPA.

If you will be paying by cheque, please make the cheque payable to the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Deliver this completed FOI Request form and application fee in person or by mail or email to:

Hilary Close, Manager of Corporate Affairs
Ottawa Catholic School Board
570 West Hunt Club  Nepean, ON K2G 3R4
Email: Corporate.Affairs@ocsb.ca
Fax: 613-228-4158

Timeline for receiving the requested information

Legislation allows the OCSB 30 days to respond to information requests. On occasion, the OCSB may ask for an extension if the request is for an extensive number of records. Extra time may also be needed if an outside third party needs to be contacted, or if the request is received during the summer months when certain school staff may not be accessible.

Associated fees for requested documents

There are fees associated with making a request for information under MFIPPA. In accordance with Ontario Regulation, when documents are requested, $7.50 is charged for every 15 minutes of search time, computer data retrieval, and document preparation. Document copies are charged at the rate of .20 cents per page. Postage or shipping charges may also apply. Fees are not charged for the time required to locate and prepare records for personal information requests.

How to file an appeal relating to the access of information

Individuals have the right to appeal any decision made by the OCSB relating to the access of records or personal information. Appeals are filed with the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) of Ontario, who is independent of the government or any institution.