Information Commissioner for British Columbia and Invasion of Privacy!

Can you help me find the name and contact information for the Information Commission for British Columbia for breach of privacy?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

For privacy-related issues or complaints about breaches of privacy in British Columbia, you can contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) for British Columbia. This office is responsible for overseeing the protection of personal information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

Here’s the contact information for the OIPC:

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) for British Columbia

Address:
200 – 752 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1H2
Canada
Phone:
Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
Local: 250-387-5629
Fax:
250-387-1696
Email:
info@oipc.bc.ca
Website:
http://www.oipc.bc.ca

If you believe there has been a breach of privacy or if you need to file a complaint, the OIPC’s website offers guidance on how to submit a formal complaint or request an investigation. They can help address concerns about personal information held by public bodies or private organizations in BC.

You can also look for more specific forms or steps for submitting complaints related to privacy breaches on their website.

Would you like more specific help navigating the complaint process, or do you need additional details?

You said:

Why am I not provided with a name for the Information officer?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

I see what you’re looking for now—you’re asking for the specific contact person or officer at the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) for British Columbia, rather than just the general contact details.

In the case of the OIPC, the Information and Privacy Commissioner is the primary official responsible for overseeing privacy issues in the province, but there are often various staff who handle different aspects of the inquiries or complaints. Typically, the OIPC does not list the specific names of individual officers on their website for privacy and security reasons, but you can reach out to them directly to get assistance.

The current Information and Privacy Commissioner (as of 2025) for British Columbia is:

Michael McEvoy (Information and Privacy Commissioner)

However, if you’re looking for someone to handle a specific case or breach, you would generally reach out to the office via the general contact details (phone, email, or contact form) I previously provided. Once your inquiry is received, a staff member or officer will be assigned to your case, and they will follow up with you.

If you want to get more personalized support or get in touch with a specific person, I recommend calling their office at 250-387-5629 or sending an email to info@oipc.bc.ca with details of your privacy concern. They can direct your case to the appropriate officer.

Let me know if you need further clarification on how to move forward with your specific issue!

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How do I request a review? – Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC

Request for Records;

How do I request records? – Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC

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Yes, British Columbia has a set of laws that align with the principles you’re referring to in the Minnesota quote and the U.S. federal regulation about public service being a public trust. While the exact wording may not be identical, the essence of these principles is reflected in various legal frameworks that govern public bodies and officials in British Columbia.

Here are some key pieces of legislation and principles in British Columbia that echo the ideas from the Minnesota quote and the Title 5 CFR § 2635.101:

1. Constitution Act, 1867 (Canada)

Section 92(14) of the Constitution Act, 1867, which governs the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments, highlights that government powers exist for the benefit of the people. This aligns with the concept that the government is instituted for the protection and security of citizens.
Additionally, Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (part of the Constitution Act, 1982) asserts that “every citizen of Canada has the right to participate in the political life of the country”, reinforcing the idea that power resides with the people.

2. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)

FIPPA is a key piece of legislation that applies to public bodies in British Columbia, ensuring that government records are available to the public, reinforcing transparency and accountability. This speaks to the public trust and the idea that government is there to serve the people.
FIPPA recognizes that public bodies are responsible for holding information in trust for the public and ensuring that citizens have access to records where possible, subject to privacy considerations.

3. Public Sector Accountability Act (PSAA)

The Public Sector Accountability Act governs how public sector bodies, including government organizations, manage their finances and operations. This legislation aims to ensure that public bodies are accountable to the people they serve and that government actions are transparent and in the public interest.
The public sector, by its very nature, is expected to act with transparency and integrity, holding the public interest as paramount.

4. Public Trust Doctrine

While not explicitly stated in a single piece of legislation, the public trust doctrine is a fundamental principle in Canadian law that is upheld in various forms. It asserts that public officials and bodies are entrusted to manage public resources and conduct their duties in the best interests of the people.
This doctrine is often invoked in legal decisions involving environmental protection, land management, and the administration of public resources in British Columbia, and it reflects the general principle that public office exists for the benefit of the public.

5. Public Service Act

While not as broad in scope as the U.S. Title 5 CFR, the Public Service Act (specifically the Public Service Commission Act) in British Columbia outlines the responsibilities of public servants and ensures that they act in the best interests of the people. Public servants are entrusted with the duty of serving the public, maintaining fairness, and adhering to high ethical standards.

6. Human Rights Code

The British Columbia Human Rights Code outlines protections for individuals in the province and reinforces the concept that government and public institutions must serve the people fairly, equitably, and without discrimination. It also aligns with the idea of public officials acting in trust for the benefit of citizens.

Similarities to the U.S. Concepts:

Both in the U.S. and British Columbia, there are legal and constitutional protections ensuring that the government and its officials are accountable to the people, that public resources are managed responsibly, and that public servants are expected to serve the interests of the public.
The idea that public office is a public trust is present in both systems, especially in areas like transparency, accountability, and the ethical obligations of public officials.

In summary, while there isn’t a single piece of legislation in British Columbia that mirrors the Minnesota quote or U.S. Title 5 CFR § 2635.101 exactly, the principles you referenced are reflected across various laws and principles governing public bodies and officials in the province. The government’s role is indeed framed as existing for the benefit of the people, and public offices are considered to be held in trust for the citizens.

Let me know if you’d like further details on any specific piece of legislation!

Freedom Dove