Frequently Asked Questions

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) regulates the information and privacy practices of public bodies, including the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD). The purpose of FIPPA, as specified in section 2 of the Act, is to promote public sector accountability and protect personal privacy by:

• Giving individuals the right of access to records in the custody of, and under the control of, public bodies. This includes the right of access to, and correction of, their own personal information.
• Specifying the limited exceptions to the right of access in sections 12 to 22 of the Act. 
• Prohibiting the unauthorized collection, use, or disclosure of personal information.
• Appointing an Information and Privacy Commissioner independent of government who is responsible for oversight and enforcement.

In British Columbia, your information and privacy rights are protected by law. BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act (FIPPA) regulates the information and privacy practices of public bodies, including the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD). For example:

• Access rights: Part 2 of FIPPA establishes your right of access to records in the custody of, or under control of, a public body. This includes the right of access to records containing your own personal information, subjection to exceptions and fees in some instances. These exceptions are detailed in sections 12 to 22 of the Act. For example, a public body cannot disclose information that would be harmful to law enforcement, personal privacy, or public safety.

• Privacy: Part 3 establishes your privacy rights, including prohibiting the unauthorized collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.

Records, as defined by FIPPA, mean recorded information. Records, in both digital and physical formats, are anything on which information is recorded or stored, such as books, documents, maps, drawings, letters, papers, or other materials.

Personal information, as defined by FIPPA, means recorded information about an identifiable individual other than business contact information.

More information about your privacy and access rights from FIPPA can be found through the following links, or by contacting TNRD staff:

• TNRD Privacy and Confidentiality Policy No. 1.2.2
• TNRD Website Privacy Policy No. 4.1
• TNRD Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw No. 2803
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
• Ministry responsible for FIPPA

Contact Us

Section 5 of FIPPA specifies how to make a request under FIPPA to obtain access to a record in the custody or control of a public body. Your request must be in writing and provide enough detail to enable us to identify the record(s) sought.

1. Specify what type of records you are seeking – such as emails, letters, or permits.
2. Identify where the records may be held – such as Fire Protection Services, Public Libraries, Utility Services, etc.
3. Provide a date range for the records you are seeking – such as between January 1 and December 31, 2023.
4. Submit your request in writing to the TNRD:
   • By filling out our online Freedom of Information Request Form,
   • By emailing foi@tnrd.ca,
   • By fax to TNRD Legislative Services at 250 372-5048, or
   • By mail or in-person at 300-465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2A9. 
5. If applicable, include written proof of authority – such as government-issued identification to access your own personal information, or a signed letter authorizing you to act on behalf of another person.

Section 75 of FIPPA allows public bodies to charge prescribed fees, including a $10 application fee, for access to general information prior to processing your request, as well as processing fees for large or complex requests. There are no application fees for accessing your own personal information. If fee payment is required, we will notify you. 

The following payment options are available:

• Cash or card at the TNRD Office, located on the 4th floor of the TNRD Civic Building at 465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2A9
• Cheque mailed to TNRD Legislative Services, 300-465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2A9
• Electronic Transfer to ‘Thompson Nicola Regional District Invoice’ as the Payee