Manitoba ombudsman calls on MPI for a timely response to access-to-information applications

The Manitoba Ombudsman is calling on Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) to be quicker in its response to access to information applications.The ombudsman conducted an audit of MPI’s responses to requests made under the province’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Requirements under the FIPPA are to make “every reasonable effort to respond to a request within writing within 30 days after receiving it.”The ombudsman’s audit found that out of 65 FIPPA files it reviewed, 44 (or 68%) of the responses were in compliance with the time requirements.The audit showed MPI was particularly challenged in responding to 15 files opened in 2008, which seemingly skewed some of the average response times for both 2008 and 2009. “Of the 32% (21 responses) of responses that were late, the average number of days late was 150,” the Manitoba ombudsman said in its report. “The average number of days late for the responses in files opened in 2008 and completed in 2009, was 237.”The average number of days late for the responses in files open and completed in 2009, was 9.”The ombudsman noted the late responses were “somewhat concentrated” in 13 files carried over from 2008, although there were eight files opened in 2009 that were also late.MPI cooperated fully with the Ombudsman in the audit and accepted its findings, the ombudsman reported.