Freedom of Information (FOI)
How to Make an Access to Information Application - FOI Request
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All requests for access to information made under the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) must be submitted in writing. This may include letters and emails, or you may use TRU's Access to Information Form to submit your request.
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A $10 application fee is required, as permitted by s.75(1)(a) of FIPPA. This fee does not apply where applicants are requesting access to their own personal information.
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FOI applications must provide sufficient detail to enable an experienced employee of TRU, with a reasonable effort, to identify the records sought. Provide a time frame and if possible, identify where (which departments) the records you are seeking might be located. This will reduce time and fees (if applicable) in responding to your application.
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Please keep in mind that any missing information may require requests for clarification, which will delay the processing of your request.
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Fees for locating, retrieving and producing records, and for preparing records for disclosure may be applicable as permitted under Section 75 of FIPPA. NOTE REGARDING APPLICATION FEE: Pursuant to section 75(I) of FIPPA, public bodies are permitted to charge a prescribed application fee ($10). This fee does not apply to requests for the applicant's own personal information. Effective April 1, 2026, all requests for non-personal information will be subject to a $10 application fee. The Privacy Office will provide a link to pay this fee online as required.
FOI requests can be submitted as follows:
Email: privacy@tru.ca
Post: Privacy Office (Office of the General Counsel)
Thompson Rivers University
805 TRU Way
Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8
NOTE: All requests for personal information made by a third party must include a completed consent form per FIPPA requirements. We recommend using the TRU Consent to Release Personal Information Form.
| Activity | Description | Responsibility | |
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| 1 | Access to Information Application is received by TRU. | Request for access to information is sent to the Privacy and Access Office when the request is not for Routinely Available Student Information. | Program Areas |
| 2 | Validate Requests | Review FOI application, seek clarification from applicant (if required), confirm and acknowledge valid FOI application. | Privacy and Access Office |
| 3 | Application Fee Payment | Where applicable, applicants must pay the $10 application fee. Once payment is confirmed, TRU will begin processing the request. | Privacy and Access Office |
| 4 | Open Access to Information File | Establish timeline (including due dates), provide fee estimate to applicant where applicable, determine location of records, ask applicable program areas/staff members to search for records. | Privacy and Access Office |
| 5 | Collecting Records | Gather records, provide records to the Privacy and Access Office. | Program Areas |
| 6 | File Management | Collate collected records from program areas, prepare records for release, consult with General Counsel as required, send out release package to applicant and close file. | Privacy and Access Office |
