Privacy and Access to Information

Brazeau County is committed to open and transparent government, while balancing the need to protect personal and sensitive information. The County supports open government by making information held accessible through access to information requests and routine disclosure.

On June 11, 2025, the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) replaced the Freedom of Information Act (FOIP). All access to information requests received on or after August 19, 2025, will be processed in accordance with ATIA.

Protecting your privacy

POPA establishes clear rules and guidance for how municipalities and other public bodies collect, use, disclose, retain, and secure information within its custody and control.

• You will be told why your information is being collected at the time of collection.
• Your information will only be used for the purpose it was collected, unless otherwise authorized.
• You have the right of access to your information and request correction by completing a Correction to Personal Information Form.
• Your information will be securely stored and protected.
• You can withdraw your consent for use or disclosure unless it is specifically required for legal purposes.
• If you have concerns about how your information is handled, submit a privacy complaint, or escalate an existing complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
   

Access to Information

ATIA provides provisions to provide access to general and personal information held in the custody and control of Brazeau County. The Act sets out the disclosure parameters to release information in response to an Access to Information Request.

The ATIA allows access to records held by public bodies in Alberta and is the cornerstone of an open, accessible, and accountable public body. It aims to strike a balance between the public’s right to know information and protecting confidential information required to ensure effective operations of government and public bodies. (“Access to Information Act (ATIA) - Alberta.ca”)

Fees:

• General information request, initial fee $25.00.
• Additional fees may be charged for processing in excess of $150.00.
• There is no fee to request your own personal information unless the cost of producing copies exceeds $10.00.
   

To make an access request:

Submit a request by completing the Access to Information Request form and submitting it to the Records and Access to Information Coordinator

Under POPA, all information contained within a request is held confidentially. Should responsive records be released through a request, that information is not available to anyone other than the requestor.

Information available without an access request:

Before submitting a request to Brazeau County, residents are encouraged to reach out to the County to see if the information is already publicly available. The following is a list (but not exhaustive) of what is already available:

• Council and Commission meetings and agendas
• Interactive Public Maps
• Property file if you are the current landowner (please book an appointment)
• Brochures
• Information about programs
• Bylaws and policies

Training for Albertans

The Government of Alberta has training available to all Albertans on their website. The training will give you an understanding of the legislation and how it impacts you.

Protection of Privacy Act
Access to Information Act

Privacy Management Plan

Under the POPA, all public bodies must establish and maintain a privacy management plan (PMP) according to Section 25(5) of the Act. The following chart outlines the requirements and the status of each. The intent of the plan is to create documented administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the County’s information and data assets that may contain personal information or confidential operational information. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the Records and Access to Information Coordinator.