Access to Information Requests

FOIPOP access rules state that public can request access to any record in the custody or control of any public body in Nova Scotia. Anyone and everyone has the right to request access to their own information – to view it, to ensure its accuracy and to request correction of errors.

If you would like to request access to a CBU record, please fill out the following form, attach the $5.00 processing fee, and send it to CBU’s Privacy Officer.

Access to Information Request Form 

Guideline for Requests

The University’s ultimate goal is to satisfy requests for information through routine channels and use the formal access request procedure under FOIPOP as the avenue of last resort.

For the purposes of the Act, information may be divided into two categories: personal information and general information. Any person (an “applicant”) has the right to access and to a copy of personal information held by the University (section 5(1)) subject to exemptions specified in the Act (section 12 – 21). An applicant does not have to give reasons for requesting information.

When a request is received, immediately contact CBU’s Privacy Officer. In specific cases, you will need to transfer the request to that office. The Privacy Officer should be copied on all correspondence.

Basic Access to Information rules

  • Anyone can apply
  • An application must be in writing
  • $5.00 fee for general information
    • Applicants can request to have fees waived
  • No fees for access to your own personal information
  • 30 days to respond
  • Full disclosure unless exemptions apply
    • There are 15 limited and specific exemptions
  • Duty to sever
    • For example: 3rd party private information and 3rd party trade secrets
  • Access coordinator processes the request

What is a record under the Act?

  • All records, in the custody and control of a public body, are subject to the Act
  • A record is …
    • Documented or fixed information
    • Information may be correspondence, a video, emails, text, databases, and any other source of recorded/store information
  • If an employee does University work on a personal devise or email – that record must be produced in response to an access to information request.

How is Personal Information defined under the Act?

Personal information may be released only to the person whom the information is about, or, with the written consent of that person, to a third party. Personal information means recorded information about an identifiable individual including:

  • the individual’s name, address or telephone number;
  • the individual’s race, national or ethnic origin, colour, or religious or political beliefs or associations;
  • the individual’s age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or family status;
  • an identifying number, symbol or other particular assigned to the individual;
  • the individual’s fingerprints, blood type or inheritable characteristics;
  • information about the individual’s health care history including a physical or mental disability;
  • information about the individual’s educational, financial, criminal or employment history;
  • anyone else’s opinions about the individual; and
  • the individual’s personal views or opinions, except if they are about someone else.