British Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) grants the public a right of access records in the custody or control of public sector organizations, including school districts. Operating with a commitment to transparency, New Westminster Schools proactively publishes many routine reports, plans, and public records. Please review our online resources (e.g. administrative procedures, policies, reports and publications, etc.) before submitting a formal FOIPPA request.

If the required documentation is not available through these existing public resources, follow the formal FOI request process outlined below.

Accessible records

Under FOIPPA, applicants may request:

  • General district and corporate records.
  • Personal information pertaining to the applicant.

Certain statutory exceptions and restrictions apply. Accessing another individual’s personal information requires explicit, written authorization from that person.

Submitting an application

FOI requests must be submitted in writing; telephone requests cannot be processed.

Applications can be submitted via email by filling out a FOIPPA request form.

Application requirements

  • Provide a clear and detailed description of the records requested.
  • Include written consent if requesting another person’s personal information.

Fees and processing costs

General requests are subject to a mandatory $10 application fee. Requests from Indigenous Governing Entities and requests for personal information are exempt from the fee.

Please note FOIPPA also allows for processing fees to be charged for various services related to the search, retrieval, production, preparation, and provision of records for general requests. These charges do not apply to personal information requests or the first three hours of staff time on general requests. If additional fees apply, a formal cost estimate will be provided following receipt of the initial $10 application fee.

What to expect after submitting a request

Once we receive an FOI application, our team handles submissions according to the following process:

  1. We review the application and staff will follow up if clarification is needed regarding the specific records sought.
  2. We evaluate whether application or processing fees apply. If the mandatory $10 application fee is required, instructions for payment will be provided.
  3. As stipulated by the Act, the request will be processed and responded to no later than 30 business days after it is received or, if the $10 application fee is required, from the date payment is received.
  4. If processing fees apply, a cost estimate will be issued.
  5. FOIPPA allows for a time extension of up to 30 business days in certain circumstances. We will inform you if an extension is required.
  6. Records can be provided in print or digital formats. Full payment of any outstanding processing fees is required prior to the release of records. If any information is withheld or redacted, the District will indicate which sections of FOIPPA are being relied upon to do so.