The Legislative Service Department responds to all freedom of information requests made under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
This legislation regulates and controls the information that is made available to the public and provides a formal procedure to request records. MFIPPA not only provides rights to the public to gain access to municipal records, but also protects the privacy of individuals.
The Act allows access to records held by the County in accordance with the following principles:
- Information should be made available to the public
- Individuals should have access to their own personal information
- Exceptions to access should be limited and specific
- The privacy of individuals with respect to the personal information the County collects and maintains shall be protected
- Decisions on the disclosure of government information may be reviewed by the Information and Privacy Commissioner
The County is committed to providing as much information as possible to the public without the need to make a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
- Records such as Council minutes, by-laws and policies, and reports available on the County's website.
- Less frequently requested and/or older records may be available by contacting the Legislative Services Department.
Requests for information containing personal information or third party information may require a formal FOI request.
Submitting a FOI Request
The Legislative Services department is responsible for handling all requests received under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Online Request:
To make a formal request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, please use the following link Access / Correction Request – Submit a Freedom of Information Request Form.
Freedom of Information Request Form
Mailing a Request:
Requests may also be submitted in writing by mail.
If you are sending a letter by mail, direct the letter to:
Middlesex County Administration Offices
Attention: County Clerk
399 Ridout St. N
London, ON, N6A 2P1
Fees
The standard application fee is $5.00 payable by cheque to the Corporation of the County of Middlesex or by credit card. Staff will contact you regarding payment.
Processing Time
Middlesex County has 45 business days to process FOI requests from the date a completed FOI request has been received with payment.
There are circumstances where the Legislative Services department may require an extension. If an extension is required, you will be notified in writing.
Requests for Your Own Personal Information:
If you are submitting a request for your own personal information, you will be asked for proof of identity.
Appealing a FOI Request
If you are unsatisfied with a decision made by the County in answer to your FOI request, you may appeal the decision to the Information and Privacy Commission (IPC).
For information on why you might decide to appeal a decision and how to file an appeal, visit the IPC website.
Mail your appeal letter or form (available on the IPC website):
- Information and Privacy Commissioner
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, ON M4W 1A8
Tel: 416-326-3333 or 1-800-387-0073
Please note that the following information must accompany your request for an appeal:
- The FOI request number assigned by the County
- A copy of the original request for information which was submitted with the County
- A copy of the decision letter received from the County
- The applicable appeal fee, in the form of either a cheque or a money order, made payable to the Minister of Finance (see IPC website for current fee).
Protecting Your Personal Privacy
In addition to providing individuals with access to municipal records, the Act also requires the County to protect the personal privacy of individuals.
Personal information is collected and used by the County for very specific purposes, which are identified at the time of collection. Your personal information will not be used for any other purpose than identified at the time of collection, nor disclosed in any circumstance, except as permitted by the Act.
If you feel your personal information has been misused or disclosed in a manner that is not consistent with the Act, please contact the Legislative Services Department.
Accessibility Acknowledgement:
Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.
Please direct all forms and inquiries to:
Legislatives Services
County of Middlesex
399 Ridout Street North, London, ON N6A 2P1
Email: clerk@middlesex.ca
Phone: 519-434-7321
Fax: 519-434-0638