Time

Activity

9:30 am – 10:00 am

Arrival, networking opportunities (morning snacks provided by BC FIPA)

10:00 am – 10:40 am

Opening Remarks and Fireside Chat with John Tuck

10:40 am – 11:40 am

Access, AI, and Accountability
Applicants and public bodies alike bear responsibility and accountability for how they participate in the access to information system under FIPPA, and interact with one another. The rapid emergence of generative AI and agentic AI as tools that are now broadly available is presenting both opportunities and challenges. This panel will explore the role of AI in access from all sides. What amounts to responsible use of AI and AI agents by an applicant? How should public bodies respond to AI-generated requests and submissions? How can public bodies use technology, including AI, to facilitate and expedite the access process? What are a public body’s legal and ethical obligations in
terms of providing access to AI-generated information?

11:40 am – 11:55 am

Break (coffee/tea)

11:55 am – 12:55 pm

Reflecting on reconciliation and access: where we are, where we are going
Have you had the opportunity to explore reconciliation in the access to information context? This panel will review some of the ways that reconciliation is being – a could be – accounted for in the administration of access to information in British Columbia. We will explore the FOI applicant experience, data sovereignty and information sharing, cases that engage reconciliation, and how BC’s Modern Treaty landscape may shape the dialogue in BC.

12:55 pm – 1:55 pm

Lunch - provided

1:55 pm – 2:55 pm

On the Record: FOI and Journalism in BC 

One of the key functions of FOI law is to facilitate journalism in the public interest. Canada and BC have rich traditions of investigative journalism grounded in FOI research. This research is often challenging, however, and journalists working on pressing stories often run up against barriers presented by the letter of FOI law, the complexities of FOI requests, and the nature of information management in public bodies. On this panel, experienced investigative journalists will discuss the importance and opportunities associated with FOI-based journalism, common challenges, and ideas for change.

2:55 pm – 3:15 pm

Break (afternoon snack provided by PrivacyWorks)

3:15 pm – 4:15 pm

Access frustrated: working with abusive, unreasonable, and vexatious behaviour

When a small minority of applicants consume a disproportionate amount of finite resources system-wide, there are fewer resources for bona fide requests and respectful conduct. At the same time, resource asymmetries between applicants and public bodies means that restrictions on the right of access requires careful oversight. This practical and frank discussion will discuss recent changes to FIPPA, recent OIPC guidance and decisions, and approaches from seasoned experts in the field.

4:15 pm – 4:30 pm

Closing