Access to Information: Understanding the Duty to Assist and Disregarding Requests Under FIPPA

This webinar will discuss two aspects of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) that are important to know and understand when responding to access to information requests. Jennifer Kenler, investigator with the Manitoba Ombudsman, will share best practices to fulfill the duty to assist a person making a request, as well as what needs to be considered and demonstrated before a request can be disregarded under section 13 of FIPPA.

What You’ll Learn:

• Best practices to fulfill the duty to assist and respond without delay, openly, accurately and completely
• The importance of demonstrating and documenting your duty to assist
• Considerations and requirements for disregarding a request

This webinar is ideal for municipal officials, public sector employees, and privacy officers who handle access to information requests and are responsible for compliance with FIPPA.

MMA Members will receive 3 PD Credits for attending this session

Framework Alignment:

This session supports the PURPOSE pillar of the MMA Competency Framework by strengthening competencies in Municipal Governance and Service Delivery, particularly in relation to implementing legislation and meeting statutory requirements. It helps participants understand their obligations under access and privacy legislation, including the duty to assist applicants and the circumstances under which a request may be disregarded. By improving understanding of legislative requirements, procedural fairness, and documentation practices, the session supports administrators in applying legal obligations consistently and transparently. This strengthens participants’ ability to navigate the legislative environment, respond appropriately to access requests, and maintain accountability and public trust in municipal administration.

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