Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP)

Access to Information

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act defines how information is handled in the public sector. It aims to strike a balance between the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy with regard to records held by Saddle Hills County. You can find public documents by using the main search bar of this website, or in Our Government.

Summary of the FOIP Act

• You have the right to request access to Saddle Hills County information.
• You have the right to access your own information held by Saddle Hills County.
• You have the right to request that the Saddle Hills County correct your personal information.
• The Saddle Hills County must tell you why it is collecting your personal information.
• The Saddle Hills County must only collect, use, and disclose your personal information for the purposes stated in the Act.
• You have the right to complain about any issue related to FOIP including an access request you have made or a privacy breach. Complainants may be directed to request independent review of any issue related to FOIP by the provincial Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. 
• All fees and response times follow the FOIP Act and Regulations. 

Requests for General Information

• To request general information about Saddle Hills County business or Council information, complete the FOIP Request to Access Information Form.
• Describe what you are looking for in detail. If you need more room than is provided on the form, you may provide a separate page for the details.
• Sign the form
• Include a $25 (no GST) initial fee payment. The County office is able to accept credit card payments over the phone. Processing begins after the initial fee is paid.
• Send the form by email (foip@saddlehills.ab.ca), mail or deliver the form to the County Office addressed to the Freedom of Information and Privacy (FOIP) Coordinator.
• Once the request has been reviewed, if the total fee for completing your request is estimated to be greater than $150, you will be notified and asked to pay a 50% deposit. Processing the request is suspended until the deposit is received.
• The County has 30 calendar days to respond to initial FOIP requests. The Act and/or the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OPIC) may permit additional time if required.
• When the request is completed you will be notified of the actual costs and will be required to pay any balance due before your records are provided to you.
• You may contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner  if you are not satisfied with the County's response to your request. The OIPC provides independent reviews of decisions made by a public body and resolves complaints made under the FOIP Act.

Requests for Personal Information

• To request personal information about you that is held by Saddle Hills County, complete the FOIP Request to Access Information Form.
• Describe the information about yourself that you wish disclosed, including dates, names, aliases, file numbers, or other details.
• Sign the form.
• No payment is required for personal information although copying costs may be charged.
• Send the form by email (foip@saddlehills.ab.ca), mail or deliver the form to the County Office addressed to the Freedom of Information and Privacy (FOIP) Coordinator.
• The County has 30 calendar days to respond to initial FOIP requests. The Act and/or the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OPIC) may permit additional time if required.
• You are required to provide proof of identity before records containing your personal information are released.
• You may contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner  if you are not satisfied with the County's response to your request. The OIPC provides independent reviews of decisions made by a public body and resolves complaints made under the FOIP Act.

Publicly Available Information

• Check Our Government Page for general information related to County Council Board meetings and agendas.
• The website search bar allows you to search for public records that do not require a FOIP request.