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.