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2011 FIPPA Access Practices Reassessment of MB Justice, University of MB, MB Hydro, and MB Innovation, Energy & Mines

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Jan 3, 2012

Manitoba's Ombudsman released a report to Manitobans about the performance of four public bodies (Manitoba Justice; University of Manitoba; Manitoba Hydro; and Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines) audited under her FIPPA Access Practices Assessment initiative.

In 2010, the office launched its FIPPA Access Practices Assessment initiative to examine key components of a public body's processing of an application for access made under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Five public bodies were audited, and recommendations were made to four of the five. In 2011, the four public bodies that received recommendations in 2010 were reassessed.

Generally, the results of the reassessments indicate that the access practices of the four public bodies have improved significantly. While the overall performance of the four public bodies in 2010 was 52% (with respect to the number of files reviewed that were compliant with requirements for processing a FIPPA Application for Access), in 2011, overall performance was 92%. Manitoba Justice demonstrated 100% compliance with the requirements. The University of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, and Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines, demonstrated 93%, 90% and 85% compliance respectively, and suggestions for continued improvement were made to the three public bodies.

Section 49 of FIPPA outlines the Ombudsman's authority to conduct investigations and audits and make recommendations to monitor and ensure compliance.