Access to information requests

[u/Mythic01]

Figured I'd submit an access to information request to Alberta Justice to see the real story on why/why not the ASFCP hasn't made any effort to setup a mobile collection unit in province, the obvious aside.

Only to be met with a fee request of $15,000.

Looks like a great way to prevent the citizens from attaining access to the information they're entitled to.

[u/pr0cyn1c]

your story smells like bullshit. Here's why:

• $25 initial fee for a general access request (non-personal information). [alberta.ca], [foip.alber...ervices.ca]
• No initial fee when requesting your own personal information. [alberta.ca], [foip.alber...ervices.ca]
• Additional processing fees may be charged only if the estimated cost of processing exceeds $150, based on activities such as searching for records, preparing records for disclosure, copying, and shipping. [alberta.ca], [foip.alber...ervices.ca]

You may have seen reports of a $15,000 fee estimate on a particular request. Public bodies can issue large fee estimates for exceptionally broad or complex requests because the law allows recovery of certain processing costs. However, that is not a province-wide filing fee or mandatory charge for all requests. Applicants can also ask for a review of fees by Alberta's Information and Privacy Commissioner.

[u/Mythic01 → u/pr0cyn1c]

Ok, 13k. I rounded up a lil.

My request is for any records relating to enacting collection for the ASFCP program in Alberta.

[u/pr0cyn1c → u/Mythic01]

The reason you're not 'entitled' to anything in this case is clearly listed.
I'd be more interested in seeing how you worded your request in such a way as to precipitate a 13K bill. What did you ask for and how? details. Maybe you can reword the request to narrow scope of the request.

edit for clarity of thought

[u/Tiflotin → u/pr0cyn1c]

OP thinking he's entitled to over 3 months of a full time government employees time just because he's curious about something is hilarious.

[u/Mythic01 → u/pr0cyn1c]

"I am requesting all records held by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, including the Alberta Chief Firearms Office, relating to the federal Assault Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), specifically regarding the planning, consideration, development, implementation, coordination, or decision not to implement the collection, surrender, or confiscation of affected firearms within Alberta"

[u/pr0cyn1c → u/Mythic01]

""I am requesting all records"

Well fuck a duck, no wonder they want to charge you a shit tonne of cash son. ALL RECORDS. ffs.

[u/Mythic01 → u/pr0cyn1c]

"specifically regarding the planning, consideration, development, implementation, coordination, or decision not to implement".... How many records are there really, considering this is a program that is not being implemented in this province? How would you specifically limit the scope of this request to still paint a realistic picture of the government's culpability in the program not being executed in this province?

[u/JAFOguy → u/Mythic01]

Generally, you take a bit more care in actually knowing what you are asking for. You need to actually know the right question before you get the right answer. Even if they gave you the entirety of the 12,000 pages of information you requested, you would have no idea where in those 12,000 pages you would find the information you want.

Do a bit more research and narrow down your question, and you will narrow down the search results to a manageable level.

You are entitled to ask for the information, but nothing is free.

[u/pr0cyn1c → u/Mythic01]

"How many records are there really"
Good question. Maybe the 13 K is to ensure they 'found them all'.
But if you think they only have a few sheets of paper and could answer your question in a hot minute then maybe thats a question for Alberta's Information and Privacy Commissioner. Because wasting peoples time on suspicion is a good use of their time, right?

[u/Mythic01 → u/pr0cyn1c]

There are thousands of people who registered to participate in the ASFCP in Alberta. They're all being screwed by government bureaucracy. While they registered in good faith, the government will not process their applications due to internal red tape. Yes, I believe we are entitled to see the exact internal documentation outlining why.

[u/cattabliss → u/Mythic01]

you are. just pay for it bro. i have filed many fois as part of my work.

in general, you need to know

- that a specific document exists, even better if you have the name of it, or who wrote it, or who it was sent to

- what is the most likely way to get at that document. which department is likely to hold the record? who's email inbox? some digging is required

- ask for the document

going in there with and any and all request is going to result in a bill. filing FOI is a skill.

[u/pr0cyn1c → u/Mythic01]

so if there are thousands, now you know why they want 13k. whats so fucking difficult to understand here?

Edit: ok dude you're giving me all sorts of "I have an extra copy of chromosome 21" vibes. good luck on your quest. l8r.

[u/Mythic01 → u/pr0cyn1c]

Thousands of applicants to a federal program which isn't happening in Alberta due to provincial barriers.

[u/DropMeAnOrangeBeam → u/Mythic01]

You literally asked for everything they had regarding a topic. How much did you expect?

[u/kookiemaster → u/Mythic01]

If you are interested in analysis then exclude emails and also exclude client sollicitor privilege (they will be redacted) and you might get a more reasonable volume. When you say all records it means all the emails no matter how insignificant (a meeting invite for example) and there may be 12 copies of it because everybody saved it. Narrowing to certain dates is another strategy.