Access to Information and Protection of Privacy

 Every effort is made to provide people with information in a timely manner, through this website as well as through other means of communication.

If you would like to obtain certain information and are unsure of the process, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (306) 634-1852.

There may be occasions where you will be told that you must submit an application under the provincial Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (LAFOIP).

The Act is a provincial statute that sets out the right of people to have access to information, and which also establishes rules for how the City collects and handles personal information.

What is this act for?

The Act enables any person to apply for access to records containing information processed by or controlled by the City of Estevan.

The Act establishes rules for how the City collects and deals with personal information.

What Records will the Local Authority give me access to?

Written documents, computer records, photographs or information stored by any other means are accessible under the Act.

However, the Act does exempt certain types of records from the application for access. For example, records that contain personal information about another individual, legal proceedings and law enforcement investigations are not accessible.

What are the steps for using the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to Obtain Information from the City of Estevan?

Complete a Request for Information Form

You may be asked to give further details regarding the information you are requesting to assist in retrieving the records.

How long will it take to get the required information?

Every effort is made to supply the requested information as quickly as possible.  However, in some cases, the records are not easily retrievable or discussions have to be held with other parties.

Within 30 days you will hear back from the City Clerk either:

• Providing the requested information
• Advising that the information will not be released or for what reason;
• Advising that due to extenuating circumstances, it will take a further period of time, not to exceed 30 days to respond to the request.

Do I have to use this act to obtain information from the City?

No.  The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act does not replace the methods the City of Estevan traditionally uses to provide information to the public.

If you want information contact the City Clerk’s Office. Chances are, we will be able to help you immediately.  Records such as Council minutes, Bylaws, etc. will continue to be available to the public through the City Clerk’s Office.

If you can’t get what you need through everyday channels, the Act can be used.

Does it cost anything to access records through this Act?

Yes, there is a $20.00 application fee and other charges as set under our administration fee schedule.

For any further information Contact:

City Clerk’s Office
(306) 634-1852
cityclerk@estevan.ca

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