Freedom of Information

Our Freedom of Information (FOI) Office handles formal request for access to corporate records, as permitted under the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). These corporate records include but are not limited to:

Investigation, inspection and incident licensing reports for residential care homes, group homes and family day care operations
Environmental health reports for sewage systems, permits, inspections, complaint follow-ups and food establishment inspections
Financial budgets, forecasts and contracts
Policies and procedures
Information sheets, pamphlets and brochures
Records of personal information other than patient health records (eg. employee records)

Note: The FOI Office does not handle patient health records. Instead, visit the Health Information Management (HIM) website.

Request patient health records

Make a formal FOI request

Before submitting your request:

Identify the record you are seeking (not information or answers to questions).
Describe the records that you request clearly and concisely. Simplify the search and minimize potential fees. Broad, complex requests will take longer to process and a large fee for service will be charged to you. Fees may be assessed for records where more than 3 hours are required to search and compile the requested records.
Consider the date or date range for the requested records and the department or program area from which you are requesting records.
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act allows up to 30 business days to provide the requested records.

Submitting your request:

We accept FOI requests in any written form or you can submit your request using the FOI Application Form
Send your FOI request to:

Email: foi@vch.ca
Fax: (604) 875-4593
Mail: VCH Freedom of Information Office, 11th Floor, 601 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2

Is there a fee for FOI requests?

We may charge you fees to cover the cost of processing your FOI request. We will not charge fees to access your own information through FOI or for the first three hours spent searching for and retrieving records. If fees do apply, we will send you an estimate before processing your request. We may also require you to send us a deposit. To reduce fees, please narrow your request as much as possible. For example, you can specify a date range or describe which staff member or department is likely to have the information you need.

How will VCH respond to my request?

FIPPA requires us to respond to your FOI request within 30 working days. If we need to consult with others or if we have a large volume of records to review, we may extend that time as permitted in FIPPA.

What if my request is denied?

FIPPA allows us (and may require us) to withhold information in certain circumstances. If we deny you access to any information, you have the right to ask for a review by the BC Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner.

Transparency and Freedom of Information Policy

Our Transparency and Freedom of Information Policy guides us in maintaining an open, transparent and accountable culture while protecting the privacy of patients, clients and staff. This policy applies to all staff and information except for personal health information about our patients and clients.

How do you protect my privacy?

All of your records are kept strictly confidential. Protecting your privacy is our priority. Visit the privacy page to learn more.