The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the “Act”) applies to municipalities, local boards, agencies and commissions, including the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (the “Board”).
The Act requires that the Board protect the privacy of an individual's personal information existing in government records. Moreover, subject to certain exceptions and exemptions, the Act gives individuals the right to request access to information, including general records and records containing their own personal information.
The Act creates a privacy protection scheme which the Board must follow to protect an individual's right to privacy. The scheme includes rules regarding the collection, retention, use, disclosure and disposal of personal information in its custody or control.
If an individual feels his or her privacy has been compromised by a government organization governed by the Act, he or she may contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner who may investigate any such complaint. The Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario has a website that provides comprehensive information about the Acts and specific information for schools and school boards.
Personal Information Bank
Click here to view the Personal Information Bank document.
Notice of Collection
Personal information is collected by the Board under the authority of s. 265(1)(d) of the Education Act, and pursuant to sections 28(2) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This information is used for the academic, administrative, employment-related, financial and statistical purposes of the Board. The information will be used, among other things, to admit, register and graduate students, record academic achievement, and, where applicable, to provide access to information systems and to operate academic, financial, athletic, recreational, and other programs. Information on admissions, registration and academic achievement may also be disclosed and used for statistical and research purposes by the Board, post-secondary educational institutions and the federal and provincial governments. The names of students, award information and date of graduation are considered public information and may be published by the Board. In addition, student photographs poted by the Board in the form of individual pictures or class pictures may be publicly displayed. The Board may also collect personal information from other relevant sources including, without limitation, other school boards.
Other than noted above, the information you provide and any other information placed in a student record, or in a personnel record, will be protected and used in compliance with Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RSO 1990) and will be disclosed only in accordance with this Act.
Freedom of Information Requests
Formal requests should be directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator using the form available. Responses to requests are delivered within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the request.
