Frequent visitors to our web site should check this page on a regular basis, as we will be using this page to notify visitors of recent additions to the site.

January 27, 2012	Manitoba Ombudsman celebrates Data Privacy Day 2012: when sharing personal information, less is more. Data Privacy Day raises awareness about online threats to privacy and highlights the importance of limiting personal information sharing. News Release
January 10, 2012	Volunteers are wanted for a new service that will start in February 2012. The FIPPA Access Practices (FAP) Check-Up can help to strengthen access practices in your organization. Contact Carol Markusoff at 982-9141 for more information.
January 6, 2012	Irene Hamilton left her appointment as Ombudsman on January 4, 2012. Mel Holley has been appointed as Acting Ombudsman until a new permanent Ombudsman is appointed. An all-party committee of the Manitoba legislative assembly will be convened to recommend a new Ombudsman.
January 4, 2012	Manitoba Ombudsman has issued a request for proposal for website design and development services. Please see our RFP document for more details.
January 3, 2012	Manitoba Ombudsman Releases 2011 FIPPA Access Practices Reassessment of Manitoba Justice, University of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, and Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines News Release Report
December 28, 2011	Manitoba Ombudsman releases FIPPA Investigation Report with Recommendations regarding Manitoba Water Stewardship. News Release Investigation Report
December 20, 2011	Manitoba OmbudsNews is available. Manitoba OmbudsNews 2011-4
December 13, 2011	Manitoba Ombudsman releases "Report on the Process for the Review of Child Welfare and Collateral Services after the Death of a Child". News Release Report
December 6, 2011	Manitoba Ombudsman releases updated fact sheet, "10 Points to Know About eChart Manitoba". News Release Fact Sheet
November 28, 2011	Manitoba Ombudsman releases PHIA Investigation Report with Recommendations regarding the Flin Flon Clinic. News Release
November 9, 2011	Manitoba Ombudsman has published a new information sheet: What to Expect from an Investigation by the Manitoba Ombudsman under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and The Personal Health Information Act
November 2, 2011	The 2011-3 issue of Manitoba Ombudsnews is now available.
October 19, 2011	Travel, executive vehicle, and hosting expenses of the Manitoba Ombudsman are now available.
September 26, 2011	Manitoba Ombudsman releases Access and Privacy Investigation Reports with Recommendations. News Release
September 26, 2011	Manitoba Ombudsman celebrates Right to Know Week from September 26 to September 30, 2011. News Release
June 2, 2011	2010 Annual Report under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, The Personal Health Information Act and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act. News Release 2010 Annual Report
April 26, 2011	We have revised the following sections on our website: Access and Privacy Division home page FIPPA home page PHIA home page About FIPPA About PHIA Principles of Access and Privacy Legislation
March 11, 2011	Manitoba's Ombudsman has released her Report on the Protection for Persons in Care Office of Manitoba Health. News Release Report on the Protection for Persons in Care Office
March 4, 2011	Manitoba's Ombudsman has released an audit report to Manitobans about the performance of Manitoba Public Insurance in meeting the time requirements to respond to applications for access under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. News Release 2010 Timeliness Audit of Manitoba Public Insurance
February 17, 2011	Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available. Issue 2011-1
February 11, 2011	Manitoba Ombudsman issued a news release today about the public release of two FIPPA investigation reports regarding access to records relating to the upcoming inquest into the death of Brian Sinclair. News Release Winnipeg Police Service Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
January 26, 2011	In celebration of Data Privacy Day, January 28, 2011, the Ombudsman has posted two "Privacy on the Go" fact sheets, compliments of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. 10 Tips for Individuals on Protecting Personal Information on Mobile Devices 10 Workplace Tips for Protecting Personal Information on Mobile Devices For more information on Data Privacy Day, please visit the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada's Data Privacy Day website.
January 21, 2011	Manitoba Ombudsman releases her Report on Manitoba's Employment and Income Assistance Program: Updated with Departmental Responses to Recommendations News Release Report
January 17, 2011	Manitoba's Ombudsman has released her first report to Manitobans about the performance of five public bodies audited under her FIPPA Access Practices Assessment initiative. News Release The 2010 Access Practices Assessment of WCB, Justice, U of M, Hydro and IEM
January 4, 2011	With the proclamation on January 1, 2011 of significant amendments to The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), the Ombudsman has issued a news release and new fact sheet: News Release, January 4, 2011 Fact Sheet, 10 Changes to FIPPA
January 4, 2011	In view of the January 1, 2011 amendments to FIPPA and PHIA, a new Practice Note is available and revisions have been made to affected Practice Notes: Overview of FIPPA Amendments The Interaction between FIPPA and Other Acts Distinguishing between Personal Information and Business Information under FIPPA Documenting Access Decisions under FIPPA and PHIA Providing Notice to a Third Party under Section 33 of FIPPA Dealing with Access Requests Involving Employee Information Considerations for Applying Exceptions when Refusing Access under FIPPA The Exercise of Discretion when Applying Discretionary Exceptions to Refuse Access under FIPPA Severing Information in Records under FIPPA and PHIA Collection and Providing Notice of Collection of Personal Information under FIPPA Responding to Recommendations Made by the Ombudsman under FIPPA Overview of PHIA Amendments Considerations for Applying Exceptions when Refusing Access under PHIA Responding to Recommendations Made by the Ombudsman under PHIA The Practice Note Dealing with Access Requests for Information that is Available to the Public has been withdrawn from our website because publicly available information is now outside of the FIPPA access to information provisions.
December 10, 2010	Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available. Issue 2010-4
December 6, 2010	With the first phase of eChart Manitoba going live this week at three health care locations, the Ombudsman has issued a news release and fact sheet relevant to all Manitobans, "10 Points to Know about eChart Manitoba, Part of Manitoba's Electronic Health Record (EHR) System" News Release Fact Sheet
October 26, 2010	Seven new or revised Practice Notes are now available: The Duty to Assist under FIPPA and PHIA Documenting Access Decisions under FIPPA and PHIA Collection and Providing Notice of Collection under PHIA Disclosure under PHIA Disclosure under FIPPA Use under PHIA Use under FIPPA
September 29, 2010	The Information Commissioner of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial information commissioners, announced the creation of the Grace-Pépin Access to Information Award. The award will recognize the efforts of an individual, group or organization that contributes in a significant way to promoting and supporting the principles of transparency, accountability and the public's right to access information held by public institutions. http://www.ombudsman.mb.ca/GracePepinAward.htm
September 27, 2010	Manitoba Ombudsman Celebrates Right to Know Week 2010 News Release
September 23, 2010	The Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available Issue 2010-3
September 1, 2010	2010 Canada's Access to Information and Privacy Commissioners and Ombudsmen Call for Open Government. News Release Resolution
June 16, 2010	The Ombudsman has issue a news release and a new privacy awareness fact sheet, "10 Points about Controlling and Seeing your Personal Health Information". News Release Fact Sheet
June 10, 2010	The Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available Issue 2010-2
June 9, 2010	The Ombudsman issued a news release today concerning her public release of the investigation report in Case 2009-0602 (FIPPA, Access), on withheld records concerning legal services in the upcoming inquest into the death of Brian Sinclair. News Release Investigation Report, Case 2009-0602
May 26, 2010	Report on Manitoba’s Employment and Income Assistance Program News Release EIA Report
May 19, 2010	New Practice Note is now available: Overview of PHIA Amendments
May 13, 2010	We have revised the following section on our web site to reflect the amendments to The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), effective May 1, 2010 About the Personal Health Information Act
May 10, 2010	2009 Annual Report under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, The Personal Health Information Act and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act News Release Annual Report
May 3, 2010	In conjunction with the May 1, 2010 proclamation of significant amendments to The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), Manitoba Ombudsman together with Manitoba Health has produced a brochure, "Health Information Access and Privacy: A Guide to The Personal Health Information Act". Health Information Access and Privacy: A Guide to The Personal Health Information Act.
April 13, 2010	Manitoba Ombudsman 40th Anniversary Celebration News Release (April 2010)
April 7, 2010	The Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available Issue 2010-1
March 11, 2010	Manitoba Ombudsman Releases Progress Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations - Strengthen the Commitment Progress Report
March 11, 2010	New Practice Note is now available: The Interaction Between FIPPA and Other Acts
January 14, 2010	A Brown Bag Talk is scheduled for January 20, 2010. Brown Bag Talks will also take place on February 17, 2010 and March 17, 2010. Please see Brown Bag Talks page for more information.
January 12, 2010	In conjunction with the January 10, 2010 introduction of the Manitoba Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL), the Manitoba Ombudsman has released a revised privacy awareness fact sheet for those who are considering applying for the EDL or for the Manitoba Enhanced Identification Card (EIC), introduced in February 2009. News Release Fact Sheet
December 2, 2009	Reminder that a Brown Bag Talk is scheduled for December 16. Please see Brown Bag Talks page for more information.
November 20, 2009	Read the discussion paper by the Online Children's Privacy Working Group: There Ought to be a Law: Protecting Children's Online Privacy in the 21st Century News Release
November 12, 2009	Brown Bag Talks are scheduled for November 18, 2009 and December 16, 2009. Please see Brown Bag Talks page for more information.
October 23, 2009	New Practice Note is now available: Considerations for Applying Exceptions when Refusing Access under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
October 14, 2009	A Brown Bag Talk is scheduled for October 21, 2009. Please see Brown Bag Talks page for more information.
September 28, 2009	Janet Keeping heads Manitoba Right to Know Celebrations as Keynote Speaker. News Release
September 28, 2009	Right to Know Week is Formally Recognized by eight Manitoba Jurisdictions. PDF copies of the proclamations and other documents are available in English (Manitoba, Brandon, Dauphin, Flin Flon, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk, Thompson and Winkler) and in French (Manitoba).
September 25, 2009	Ombudsman Attends Signing of Right to Know Proclamation by Brandon Mayor News Release
September 23, 2009	Manitoba Right to Know Events Posters advertising the events are also available on the Events page
September 21, 2009	The September 2009 edition of the Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available.
September 10, 2009	Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada News Release – “Privacy commissioners urge caution on expanded surveillance plan” “Protecting Privacy for Canadians in the 21st Century” – Resolution of Canada’s Privacy Commissioners and Ombudsmen on Bills C-46 and C-47 “The Promise of Personal Health Records” – Resolution of Canada’s Privacy Commissioners and Ombudsmen
September 8, 2009	A Brown Bag Talk is scheduled for September 16, 2009. Please see Brown Bag Talks page for more information.
June 17, 2009	New Practice Note is now available. Making Effective Written Representations in Responding to Complaints about Refused Access under FIPPA
June 8, 2009	The Spring 2009 issue of Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available.
May 12, 2009	2008 Annual Report under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, The Personal Health Information Act and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act News Release Backgrounder Annual Report
April 27, 2009	One new practice note is available: The Duty to Assist under FIPPA and PHIA
March 27, 2009	Manitoba Ombudsman Releases Understanding Fairness, A Practical Guide for Municipal Decision Makers (March 2009) News Release
March 18, 2009	A new schedule for Brown Bag Talks begins on April 15, 2009. Please see Brown Bag Talks page for more information. One new practice note is available: The Exercise of Discretion when Applying Discretionary Exceptions to Refuse Access under FIPPA.
March 16, 2009	Understanding Fairness, A Handbook on Fairness for Manitoba Municipal Leaders
March 13, 2009	The Winter 2009 issue of Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available.
February 20, 2009	In 2008, our office developed the Correctional Officers Presentation, a training tool that would be accessible to all correctional staff in the field.
February 2, 2009	In conjunction with today’s start up of MPI’s new Enhanced Identification Card Program, the Manitoba Ombudsman has released a fact sheet for those who are considering applying for the Manitoba Enhanced Identification Card (EIC). News Release Fact Sheet (Manitoba EIC: 10 Points for Privacy Awareness)
December 17, 2008	A new schedule for Brown Bag Talks begins on January 21, 2009. Please see Brown Bag Talks page for more information.
September 26, 2008	The Fall 2008 issue of Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available.
September 19, 2008	The fall schedule of Brown Bag Talks became effective September 17, 2008.  Please see Presentations page for more information.
September 19, 2008	More practice notes are available: Providing Notice To a Third Party under Section 33 of FIPPA Distinguishing Between Personal Information and Business Information under FIPPA
September 19, 2008	Manitoba Right To Know Events Posters advertising the events are also available on the Events page.
September 10, 2008	The Summer 2008 issue of Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available.
July 24, 2008	2007 Annual Report under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, The Personal Health Information Act and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (July 2008) News Release Annual Report
July 16, 2008	Manitoba Ombudsman Releases Progress Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations - Strengthen the Commitment News Release Progress Report
June 16, 2008	The Spring 2008 issue of Manitoba OmbudsNews is now available.
June 4, 2008	Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada News Release – Privacy Advocates Express Concern About Child Privacy Online
April 30, 2008	Report on the Licensing and Enforcement Practice of Manitoba Water Stewardship
April 29, 2008	New office brochures concerning Manitoba Ombudsman Fair Treatment by Government: Having Problems? Access to Information and Privacy: Concerned about the privacy of your information or getting information? Health Information Privacy: Concerned about your personal health information?
March 19, 2008	Two new practice notes are now available: Collection and Providing Notice of Collection of Personal Information under FIPPA Collection and Providing Notice of Collection of Personal Health Information under PHIA
March 14, 2008	Two new practice notes are now available: Privacy Considerations for Emailing Personal and Personal Health Information Privacy Considerations for Faxing Personal and Personal Health Information
February 5, 2008	Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada News Release – Enhanced driver’s licences concern Canada’s privacy guardians
December 21, 2007	Considerations for Use Under FIPPA Considerations for Use Under PHIA
December 21, 2007	The Winter 2007 issue of the quarterlyManitoba OmbudsNews newsletter is now available.
October 24, 2007	Province Implements Ombudsman's Recommendations to Improve Notice to Taxpayers About Proposed Borrowing By-Laws (Killarney-Turtle Mountain Report)
October 23, 2007	The schedule of upcoming Brown Bag Talks has been updated. Please see the Presentations page for more information.
October 17, 2007	A new practice note is available: Extending The Time Limit For Responding Under The Freedom Of Information And Protection Of Privacy Act (Fippa)
October 11, 2007	One new practice note is available: Dealing with Access Requests for Information that is Available to the Public
September 28, 2007	John Reid Featured in Right to Know Week Activities in Manitoba
	The Government of Manitoba and the Mayors of Brandon and Thompson have proclaimed September 28 to October 5 as Right to Know Week in their jurisdictions. PDF copies of the proclamations are available in English (Manitoba Brandon Thompson) and the Government of Manitoba’s proclamation is additionally available in French.
September 26, 2007	The Fall 2007 issue of Manitoba Ombudsnews is now available
September 24, 2007	John Reid to Celebrate Right to Know Week in Brandon
September 17, 2007	Updated Manitoba Right to Know Events. Posters advertising the events are also available on the Events page.
September 5, 2007	Report Regarding the Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain Local Improvement Plan
July 18, 2007	Two new practice notes are now available: Handling Requests for Correction Under FIPPA Handling Requests for Correction Under PHIA
July 4, 2007	Manitoba Ombudsman has issued its third quarterly newsletter, Manitoba OmbudsNews. The Summer 2007 edition includes items on whistle blower protection legislation, assistance for reporting privacy breaches, Right to Know Week 2007 and more.
June 28, 2007	Canada's privacy commissioners and ombudsmen call for comprehensive changes to the no-fly list program (June 28, 2007)
June 20, 2007	A new practice note has been released, entitled Changing the Basis for a Decision to Refuse Access
June 19, 2007	See 2007 Right to Know Week Events and Announcements. This part of our web site will continue to be updated until Right to Know Week is celebrated, September 28 to October 5, 2007. New Right to Know postings are Five Frequently Asked Questions on Requesting Access and Five Points About Access to Information
June 11, 2007	Manitoba Ombudsman Releases 2006 Annual Report Under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom Of Information And Protection Of Privacy Act and The Personal Health Information Act. News Release Annual Report
June 4, 2007	Manitoba Ombudsman has produced Joining the Herd, A Handbook on Participating in Manitoba’s Government, for use in the Grades 6, 9 and 11 Manitoba Social Studies curriculum.  For students, it offers learning activities on government and democratic citizenship.  For teachers, it includes outlines of applicable skills, learning activities and focusing questions related to the curriculum.
June 4, 2007	The May to August 2007 schedule for Brown Bag Talks is now available on our presentations page.
June 4, 2007	A new Practice Note has been posted on our resources page to assist public bodies and trustees in protecting personal and personal health information when working outside the office.
February 1, 2007	We have prepared questionnaires to assist individuals in making a privacy complaint to our office under FIPPA or PHIA. An individual could complete a questionnaire or use it as a guide in writing a letter of complaint.
February 1, 2007	Manitoba Ombudsman is proud to co-sponsor with the offices of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Prairie Health Information Privacy Day 2007, to be held April 16, 2007 in Regina. Check out the web site for what we are confident will be a relevant, practical and comfortable interactive conference.
February 1, 2007	Twenty-two new Practice Notes have been posted on our Resources page. These are intended as advice for public bodies and trustees responding to specific types of access and information and privacy complaints under FIPPA and PHIA.