BASICS

• The Act is triggered when a member of the public submits a written request to a governmental body
  • Mail or hand delivered
  • Email or Fax – Receiver should instruct requestor to submit the request directly to the Open Records Office
• The request must ask for records or information already in existence
• Construe the Act liberally in favor of open government
• Treat requestors equally
• Respond to a request without delay
• A governmental body may not ask the requestor why they want the information or what they plan to do with it

TRANSPORT OF RECORDS

• Provide records electronically
• Identify the response to each item if multiple items are requested
• Responsive files can be zipped together and sent via filex

TIMELINES

• The University must adhere to strict timelines to remain in compliance with the Public Information Act
• If timelines are not met, it may be necessary to release information that could otherwise have been withheld as an exception to disclosure

BOTTOM LINE

• It is a Governmental Body’s obligation to make a good faith effort to locate and compile all documents that may be responsive to a request within the deadlines prescribed by the Act
• Consider all records open until an exception to disclosure can be identified