(NOTE: This electronic version of the Annual Report is provided for informational purposes only. The printed version is the official copy for citation purposes.)  

June 25, 1998
 
The Honourable Gretchen Brewin
Speaker Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 1X4
 
Dear Honourable Speaker Brewin:
Pursuant to section 51 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, I have the honour to present my fifth Annual Report to the Legislative Assembly. This report covers the period from April 1, 1997 to March 31, 1998.
Sincerely,
 

David H. Flaherty
Commissioner


Table of Contents

I. COMMISSIONERS MESSAGE

II. DIRECTORS MESSAGE

III. INTRODUCTION
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

IV. REQUESTS FOR REVIEW
Introduction
The Request for Review Process
Samples of Recent Mediated Requests for Review

V. COMPLAINTS
Introduction
The Complaint Process
Samples of Recent Complaints

VI. STATISTICAL OVERVIEW
Introduction
General Statistics
Applicant Statistics
Public Body Statistics
Disposition of Cases
Disposition of Commissioners Orders
Statistics of the Commissioners Office as a Public Body

VII. COMMISSIONERS ORDERS
Introduction
The Formal Inquiry Process
Judicial Review
Sample Summaries of Recent Orders

VIII. SECTION 43 AUTHORIZATIONS
Introduction
The Section 43 Authorization Process
Sample Section 43 Authorization

IX. INVESTIGATION REPORTS
Introduction
Summaries of Recent Investigation Reports

X. SITE VISITS
Introduction
The Site Visit Process
Recent Site Visits to Particular Public Bodies
Special Audit by the Office of the Auditor General of British Columbia
Commissioners Site Visit Checklist for Hospitals

XI. PROVIDING ADVICE
Introduction
Recent Matters for Advice
Privacy Code for Private Physicians Offices in British Columbia

XII. INFORMING THE PUBLIC
Introduction
Annual Information and Privacy Conference
May 1996 "Visions of Privacy" Conference Update
Law 12 Educational Video Conference
Information and Privacy Rights Brochure
Web Site Update

XIII. TOWARDS THE FUTURE
Introduction
Submission to the Special Committee of the Legislative
Assembly on the Four-Year Review of the Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act, February 24, 1998
 
APPENDIX A - FINANCIAL STATEMENT
APPENDIX B - OFFICE STAFF LIST
APPENDIX C - HOW TO CONTACT THE COMMISSIONERS OFFICE