Purpose
The FOIP Act has two purposes. These are to:
- provide a right to access records, subject to limited and specific exceptions, and
- protect personal information by controlling how the college asks for, uses, and releases what it collects.
Key principles
There are also five key principles associated with the FOIP Act.
- Anyone can access records that the college owns or manages, with some limitations.
- Anyone can access college records about themselves, with some limitations.
- Anyone can ask to correct college records about themselves.
- The college must protect the personal information it asks for, uses, and gives out.
- Anyone can ask the Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner to review a college decision made under the FOIP Act.
Governance
Under the FOIP Act, the President and CEO of NorQuest College is the designated head of the college.
The head asks college experts to make decisions and take action under the FOIP Act through the NorQuest College Delegation Matrix.
Request access to information
Individuals can request access to personal information in college records.
Refer to the Access to Information Procedure for details.
Under the FOIP Act, the release of college information is subject to some limitations. Submit a Request to Access Information form to ask for limited access to this information.
Request to correct personal information
Anyone who thinks there is an error in a record about them that the college owns or manages should:
Sign the completed form with the following information:
- A full description of the personal information to be corrected.
- The reason for the correction.
- Evidence that supports the correction.
The college will consider the request and provide a written response.
Training
All employees take the Information: Access and Privacy course created by the college. The course covers:
- best privacy practices and an outline of the FOIP Act
- asking for, using, and giving out personal information
- keeping, fixing, and caring for personal information over time
- protecting and releasing personal records
Successful course completion is part of the hiring process at the college.
Personal information bank directory
A personal information bank (PIB) is a directory of personal information that the college requires to provide services. This directory can include any name, identifying number, symbol, or remark about an individual.
A PIB only details what type of personal information the college asks for, uses, and gives out. It includes:
- The legal authority for the collection of personal information.
- The operational reason for the collection of the personal information.
- a description of the kind of personal information contained in the collection.
- the title and location of the PIB.
Access the NorQuest College Personal information bank directory.
Resources
The FOIP Act and regulations
College policies and procedures
The college uses procedures to help guide employees and partners on best access to information and privacy practices.
Additional Resources