Freedom of Information

Perth County is required to follow the rules set out in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The purpose of MFIPPA is to ensure that the public has a right to access the information kept by the municipality, and to also ensure that personal information is kept private by the municipality as necessary.

MFIPPA states that:

• Any member of the public may request to view or obtain copies of general records and information held by the County;
• Any member of the public may request to view, copy or make corrections to information about themselves held by the County;
• The County must protect personal information and privacy;
• Limited and specific circumstances apply where information may need to be withheld from viewing and access.

How to Make a Freedom of Information Request

All requests for information must be directed to the Legislative Services department. Once a request has been made, legislative services staff will review the information and depending on the content may be able to provide material without submitting the request. A formal request for information is only needed if the request includes personal information, if information was not routinely made available to the public or is listed as one of the exemptions set out in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A completed request form and $5.00 application fee must be received to start the request. Please submit a completed form to Legislative Services (1 Huron Street, Stratford, ON, N5A 5S4).

Requests for information may be reviewed by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario if you are not happy with the response that you have received.