Check out the OIPC’s new resource Steps to Processing an Access to Information Request

Updated statement on proposed changes to Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

OPC examines websites and apps used by children as part of global privacy sweep

Statement on proposed changes to Ontario’s FIPPA stemming from the production order issued by Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner which was upheld by the Divisional Court.

New podcast episode out now Un-redacted, The Sask IPC Podcast | IPC

New Report Posted: Read Snooping in a Police Database for more information

Check out this new resource that explains the interaction between LA FOIP and The Municipalities Act in the province of Saskatchewan and as it pertains to personal information.

When AI Turns Dark–Warning: this blog contains details about suicide. If you are struggling with your mental health, call 988 for 24/7 voice or text support or visit 988.ca

About - Service and Accessibility Charter/Land Acknowledgement

Service and Accessibility Charter

Service and Accessibility Charter

Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner

Service & Accessibility Charter

Our Commitment to Service[1]

The Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) is an independent office of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. We have a mandate to oversee compliance with the three following pieces of legislation:

  • The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP)
  • The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (LA FOIP)
  • The Health Information Protection Act (HIPA)

As part of our mandate, we:

  • review access and correction decisions made by government institutions (FOIP), local authorities (LA FOIP) and trustees (HIPA) in their administration of the applicable laws; and
  • conduct investigations when there is evidence of a privacy breach committed by those bound by the legislation.

Our office is an appeal body. Your first step is to work with the government institution, local authority or trustee to address your concerns and only to bring your concerns to the OIPC when they cannot be resolved within a reasonable period of time.[2]

There is no charge for our services.

Our Values and Guiding Principles[3]

Excellence

 
  • To apply the highest standards of personal and business excellence, which includes high quality, and consistent and accurate work product.
Fairness

 
  • To provide an opportunity to be heard and to provide adequate information about our processes.
  • Communication is clear and suitable.
  • Decisions are free from personal interest or bias.
Responsibility & Accountability

 
  • We take responsibility for our actions and are accountable to each other and team objectives.
  • Externally, we are responsible and accountable to the Legislative Assembly and to those provide services to including Saskatchewan citizens.
Integrity

 
  • We conduct ourselves internally and externally in an honest, trustworthy and reliable manner.
Respect

 
  • We recognize and appreciate individuality and treat Citizens, public bodies/trustees and each other with respect, dignity and equality.

Our Service Approach with Citizens

How you can expect us to work with you

How we expect you to work with us
  • We administer FOIP, LA FOIP and HIPA for the province of Saskatchewan.
  • Treat you with dignity and respect.
  • Clearly explain our role and an estimated timeline for our office to undertake a review or investigation. If we cannot become involved, we will tell you why and direct you, when able, to where you may get help.
  • We will need to discuss your request for review or your complaint with the applicable public body or trustee.
  • Consider both sides of the story.
  • Strive to be timely, but we cannot guarantee our timelines.
  • Treat all applicants and complainants fairly and without prejudice.
  • Be transparent about the progress of your file.
  • Welcome your feedback on how our office can improve.

 
  • Treat our staff with dignity and respect.
  • Prior to contacting our office, try to resolve your concern with the government institution, local authority or trustee.
  • Provide us with all important facts, information and required materials regarding your request for review or privacy complaint.
  • Be open, honest and truthful when communicating with our office or providing us with information.
  • Do not record us without our knowledge and consent.
  • Cooperate with our office and respond in the time periods set by our office.
  • Comply with OIPC’s rules and procedures for conducting reviews and investigations.
  • Recognize that our office is impartial and unbiased.  We seek representations from all sides.
  • Contact us with any concerns questions you may have and let us know how our office can improve.

Our Service Approach with Public Bodies & Trustees

How you can expect us to work with you

How we expect you to work with us
  • We administer FOIP, LA FOIP and HIPA for the province of Saskatchewan.
  • Treat government institutions, local authorities and trustees’ representatives with respect.
  • Clearly explain our role and how our office can be involved in a review or investigation.
  • Advise you when our office has the authority or mandate to undertake a review or investigation and when it does not.
  • Clearly advise on our established, but reasonable timelines for you to provide our office with materials (e.g., records, submissions) and to respond to our questions.
  • Be thorough, fair and impartial in our conduct.
  • Consider both sides of the story.
  • Advise what documentation our office requires in a review or investigation, which can include, but is not limited to, records, submissions, evidence and organizational policies/procedures.
  • Be transparent about the progress of a review or investigation.
  • Welcome your feedback on how our office can improve.
  • Treat our staff with respect
  • Be open, honest and forthcoming when explaining your internal processes for decision making.
  • Cooperate with our office and respond in the time periods set by our office. Provide reasonable explanations when a timeline cannot be met or when requesting an extension.
  • Comply with OIPC’s rules and procedures for conducting reviews and investigations.
  • Comply with timelines set out by FOIP, LA FOIP or HIPA.
  • Be open to early resolution or mediation to informally resolve a review or privacy complaint that will be in the best interest of citizens.
  • Contact us with any concerns or questions and let us know how our office can improve.

 

 

 

Well-being of Our Staff

We have a duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff when they interact with anyone including members of the public. We have zero tolerance for threats or violence towards our staff. Threats include, but are not limited to:

  • Using abusive, defamatory or offensive comments and language with OIPC staff.
  • Intimidating or harassing OIPC staff by phone, email or in person.
  • Asking OIPC staff inappropriate questions, including questions of a personal nature.
  • Posting information about OIPC staff online.

When threats are perceived to have been made, we will respond by first issuing a warning.

If threats continue, including threats of violence, we will limit access to services.

If necessary, we will report a matter of concern to the police. We may disclose your personal information to the police to report threats of violence.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

  • We are committed to building a workplace and organization that is accessible and inclusive for everyone.
  • Our goal is to identify and work towards removing barriers so that all employees and members of the public can fully participate and access our programs, services and information.[4]
  • At intake we work with citizens to explore options for removing barriers that may exist, keeping in mind that many disabilities are invisible. Our Intake Officers gather relevant information to determine accommodation requirements on a case-by -case basis.
  • We are prepared to work with individuals who require the use of Assistive Devices, Accessible Formats and Communication Supports (ASL interpreters, Braille, Audio, Large print), Service Animals, and Support Persons.[5]

Definitions

The following definitions apply throughout this accessibility plan:[6]

Disability: Any impairment, or difference in physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, or communication ability. Disabilities can be permanent, temporary or can change over time.

Barrier: Anything that might hinder people with disabilities’ full and equal participation. Barriers can be architectural, technological, attitudinal, based on information or communications or can be the result of a policy or procedure.

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, environments, technologies, policies and rules in a way that allows all people with a variety of disabilities to access them.

 

How are we accessible?

Our Physical Space

Our Information/Communication Space

 
  • We are accessible by elevator.
  • We have accessible washrooms.
  • Our office has wide hallways.
  • Our door handles are easily used by people with limited strength and dexterity.
  • Our office has counter service Appointments or meetings can be arranged in advance.

 

 
  • We will communicate by mail, email, telephone, videoconference or meet in office if pre-arranged.
  • We encourage individuals to contact our office by phone or through our intake email rather than by fax.
  • We strive to use clear, everyday language in our blogs and resources for our readers.
  • We work with applicants and complainants and adapt to their needs on a case-by-case basis as determined at intake.
  • We try to remove barriers by modifying how we accept submissions from clients to meet their individual needs basis.
  • We work with representatives, who with consent, can act on behalf of the applicant or complainant.

 

[1] OIPC acknowledges that this resource is adapted from resources by the Office of the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC Service Charter | Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario) and Office of the Privacy Commissioner of New Zealand (Office of the Privacy Commissioner | Our service charter).

[2] See How do I resolve a complaint? and How do I get access to information?

[3] Taken from OIPC’s Annual Report.

[4] 2026 to 2028 Accessibility Plan, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, March 2, 2026, https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/accessibility/accessibility_2026-2028/.

[5] Accessibility Standards, Ombudsman Ontario, March 2, 2026, https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/about-us/policies/accessibility-standards.

[6] 2026 to 2028 Accessibility Plan, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, March 2, 2026, https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/accessibility/accessibility_2026-2028/. OR supra at footnote 1.

Land Acknowledgement

OIPC acknowledges our office operates on the lands of the First Nations who signed treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 and on the lands of the Métis.

September 30 has been recognized as the Day for Truth and Reconciliation; a day to honour the lost children, survivors and those affected by Canada’s residential school system. In recognition of this proclamation, the Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner recognizes the need for ongoing education in this area. It is through this continuous learning that we strive to gain a better understanding of the impact that the residential school system has had on Indigenous people across Canada so that we can better serve the citizens of Saskatchewan.

For more information:

Moving Forward with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission | First Nations, Métis and Northern Citizens in Saskatchewan | Government of Saskatchewan
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Canada.ca
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Training Completed by the OIPC

March 31, 2025

Was this page helpful?

Google Translate Disclaimer

Translations on the IPC Website are performed by Google Translate. Please note that not all text may be translated accurately or be translated at all. The IPC is not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate translations. The IPC will not be held responsible for any damage or issues that may result from using Google Translate.

For more information, read our full disclaimer.