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Ministry of Citizens Services: “The Legislative Assembly is not a public body under the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.”

By Sasha Izard
March 2, 2026

Several months ago, I wrote the following article:

BC MLAs that are not Ministers, are not subject to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) requirements. – CRD Watch Homepage

I emailed the Ministry of Citizens’ Services, who are responsible for Freedom of Information (FOI), for answers.

On December 30, 2025 – I sent an email to my MLA, Diana Gibson:

Hello Diana Gibson Minister of Citizens Services,

As a Constituent from your riding, I have a question.

Is it possible to make Freedom of Information requests of non-ministerial MLA’s offices?

Thank you,
Sasha Izard

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On Feb 3, 2026 I received a response from her Ministry:

Dear Sasha:

Thank you for writing with the following question: Is it possible to make Freedom of Information (FOI) requests of non-ministerial MLA offices?

The Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act (the Act) applies to records that are in the custody or control of a public body. However, members of the Legislative Assembly are not public bodies under the Act. Therefore, records that relate to MLA functions are not subject to FOI.

For information about requesting records from government, feel free to visit the following website: Request records from government – Province of British Columbia

Sincerely,

Rhianna Begley

Executive Director FOI Operations

Ministry of Citizens’ Services

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On Feb 21, 2026 I wrote back:

Hello,

Thank you for your response.

Is the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia not a public body?

From what I understand, MLAs’ Offices fall under its umbrella.

– Sasha Izard

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On Feb 24, 2026 – the Ministry responded:

Hello Sasha,

The Legislative Assembly is not a public body under the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Thank you,

Rhianna Begley | she/her

Executive Director, FOI Operations

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Thank you for your response.

Why is the Legislative Assembly, despite being a public body, not under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act?

– Sasha

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Nov 27, 2026:

Hi Sasha,

Apologies for the confusion – the Legislative Assembly is not a public body under FOIPPA.

Rhianna

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Thank you for your reply.

Why is the Legislative Assembly, despite being a public body “not a public body under FOIPPA”?

– Sasha

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March 2, 2026:

Hi Sasha,

While I understand that the legislative assembly is a branch of government, for the purposes of FOIPPA it is not a public body and is therefore not subject to the Act.

Rhianna

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Thank you for your response.

What Minister is responsible for designating which public bodies are to be subject to the Act?

Sasha

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Hi Sasha,

The Minister of Citizens’ Services is responsible for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, including the definition of what is a public body. This definition is found in Schedule 1.

Thank you,
Rhianna

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I wrote back:

Thank you, I will contact the Minister as to why those public bodies were not included in the Schedules of FOIPPA.

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On March 2, 2026 I wrote the following email to MLA Diana Gibson:

Hello Minister Gibson,

I have been informed by your Ministry, that yourself as “The Minister of Citizens’ Services is responsible for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, including the definition of what is a public body” under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).

Why is the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (which includes MLAs’ offices), not included under the list of public bodies subject to FOIPPA under Schedule 2 of the Act?

Thank you. 
I look forward to your response,
Sasha Izard (Your Constituent)

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Reference:

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

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See also:

Index of articles regarding Law and Bylaw – CRD Watch Homepage

Index of articles and other material regarding the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) – CRD Watch Homepage

Index of Exorbitant Cost Estimates Provided for Freedom of Information in British Columbia – CRD Watch Homepage