Investigation Concludes Alberta Learning Did Not Use Personal Information in Violation of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

December 13, 2000

Information and Privacy Commissioner Bob Clark today released Investigation Report 2000-IR-004. The report concludes an investigation conducted under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the “FOIP” Act).

The Complainant alleged that Alberta Learning had used a medical questionnaire in rendering its decision on the complainant’s 1999 appeal for additional funding. The Complainant stated the medical questionnaire had been provided to the Students Finance Board as part of the Complainant’s application for loan forgiveness and that Alberta Learning had no right to obtain access to and use this information.

The investigation found no evidence that Alberta Learning used the medical questionnaire in its denial of the Complainant’s appeal for additional funding. As there was no use of personal information, there can be no breach of the FOIP Act.

The investigation also made two recommendations:

  • That the Students Finance Board ensure that the medical questionnaire contains a notification statement that complies with the requirements of the FOIP Act; and
  • That Alberta Learning ensure the release of personal information to individuals is documented.