small font | large
font
Informal Access to Information
Please contact the Privacy and Access Office to determine how a request will be processed. Often, we can either direct you to where the information exists already or can informally respond to your request without having to engage formal processes.
Access to Information
In April of 1992, Saskatchewan proclaimed western Canada’s first comprehensive access and privacy law, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). The following year, Saskatchewan enacted The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (LA FOIPPA), with the purpose of ensuring transparency and accountability within local authorities such as regional health authorities.
Freedom of Information provides access to most records under the control of a public body (excluding personal health information) while still protecting the privacy rights of individuals. The Act strives to maintain a balance between the public's right to know and an individual's right to privacy.
Within Saskatoon Health Region, Access to Information Requests are handled by the Privacy and Compliance Department.
There are limited and specific exemptions outlined in the Act (Part III) which will allow for non-disclosure of certain information. For a complete list of exemptions, see the The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (PDF).
If a requested record includes some protected information, the specific portion of the record that is protected will not be released. This enables the applicant to still have access to the remainder of the record, while maintaining our duty under the Act to protect specific information.
As prescribed by the Act, we have 30 days to respond a Access to Information Request. There are some instances when delays may occur, resulting in the need for an extension of time, not to exceed 30 days. For a listing of these conditions, please reference Section 12 of the Act. We will notify the applicant in writing if our office requires an extension.
Application
An applicant (individual/organization) may obtain information if the following conditions are met, providing the information requested is not exempted by the Act:
- The request is made in writing. The completion of our Access to Information Request Form or a written letter is required. The letter must contain all pieces of information collected within the Access to Information Request Form.
- The application must be specific, so that someone familiar with the subject matter can find the information. We reserve the right to contact the applicant for clarification.
- The application must contain payment of the $20 application fee. If requesting waiver of fees, the appropriate section of the application form must be filled out or the application letter must state appropriate conditions for waiver.
Access to Information Request Form (PDF)
All requests should be mailed to the Privacy and Compliance Department.
As supported by the The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the name of the applicant is kept confidential. It will only be released to those within the organization with a legitimate need to know. Saskatoon Health Region ensures that all applicants are treated equally and respectfully.
Appeals
If the Access to Information Request is refused or partially refused, the reasons will be clearly stated in the response, along with notification of the appeal process. The applicant may request that our decision be reviewed by the Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner. For further information on this process, please contact:
Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner
503 -- 1801 Hamilton Street
Regina SK S4P 4B4
Telephone: (306) 787-8350
Toll Free Telephone (within Saskatchewan): 1-877-748-2298
Facsimile: (306) 798-1603
website: www.oipc.sk.ca
e-mail: webmaster@oipc.sk.ca
Fees
An application/processing fee of $20 must accompany each request. Further charges may apply to locate, retrieve, produce, and prepare any records. We will advise the applicant of an estimate of any applicable fees. When payment is received, the applicant can receive the requested information.
Information may be provided without cost to the applicant in specific circumstances. Please refer to Section 8 of the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Regulations (PDF).
Contact Information
If you require further information on access requests, please contact:
Bobbylynn Stewart
Director, Privacy and Compliance
Telephone: (306) 655-7678
Facsimile: (306) 655-7680
e-mail: bobbylynn.stewart@saskatoonhealthregion.ca
or
Darcy Hryn, RN
Privacy and Compliance Consultant
Telephone: (306) 655-7678
Facsimile: (306) 655-7680
e-mail: darcy.hryn@saskatoonhealthregion.ca
Mailing Address:
Saskatoon Health Region
Privacy and Compliance Office
Saskatoon City Hospital
701 Queen St
Saskatoon SK S7K 0M7
Telephone: (306) 655-7679
Facsimile: (306) 655-7680
|
