Privacy and Access

About

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)

As a public body, VCC complies with British Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). The purpose of FIPPA is to make public bodies more accountable to the public and to protect personal privacy. FIPPA requires VCC to:

  • provide individuals a right of access to, and a right to request correction of, personal information about themselves;
  • provide the public a right of access to records of which VCC has custody or control;
  • provide routine public information and personal information about the person requesting it;
  • provide information in response to a formal access to information (FOI) request;
  • withhold from disclosure certain information as specified in exemptions to FIPPA;
  • prevent the unauthorized collection, use or disclosure of personal information;
  • respond to privacy breaches when they occur, and report as necessary to the Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner.

FIPPA defines personal information as any “recorded information about an identifiable individual other than contact information.” Contact information is the information used to contact an individual at their place of business.

VCC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Policy and three procedures (Privacy and Access to Information Procedures; Correction of Personal Information Procedures; and Privacy Breaches and Complaints Procedures) describe how VCC and its employees are committed to and comply with this legislation.

Access to information (FOI)

For requests for access to records in the custody and control of VCC that are not public or routinely available, you can submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. This applies to both records containing your personal information and general College records.

To submit a request, please email [email protected], the privacy office, with a detailed description of the records you’re seeking (including dates, types of records, and relevant departments). VCC may charge cost recovery fees for a non-personal FOI request.

Contact

Have a question or concern about privacy or access at VCC? We’re here to help.

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial. As a place of learning, we are grateful to be here while committing to respecting and honouring Indigenous knowledge, cultures, and communities.