Q1. What is the enterprise Freedom of Information Request Management (eFOIRM)?
A1. The eFOIRM is an enterprise application which will enable the Ontario Public Service to provide a one-stop, consistent digital-first service for the public to submit and manage Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and related payments.
Q2. Is my information secure when I submit a Freedom of information request in eFOIRM?
A2. Yes, Public Secure is the platform used for accessing online Government of Ontario services. Public Secure requires a valid My Ontario account and uses multi-factor authentication and partner login.
Q3. Where can I find information about Public Secure?
A3. Click here to access the “Public Secure” Help web page.
Q4. Do I need a My Ontario account to submit a Freedom of Information request?
A4. Yes, this ensures your information is secure and will allow you to submit requests, track the status of your requests, communicate with an FOI analyst, and receive your requested records.
Q5. What if I require assistance to create a My Ontario account?
A5. You can contact the Information, Privacy and Archives Recordkeeping, Access and Privacy Advisory Services Unit through email at access.privacy@ontario.ca or our general telephone number 416-327-1600 or 1-800-668-9933 (select, Option 9) (toll-free number for Ontario only).
Q6. I don’t have an email address. How do I create a My Ontario account?
A6. You must have an email account to create a My Ontario account.
Q7. What does PAL stand for?
A7. The Public Access Link (PAL) is the public facing portal that the eFOIRM uses for the public to submit and manage Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and related payments
Q8. Can files be uploaded by a requester when submitting an FOI request? E.g., When an FOI request for personal information may require proof of identity.
A8. Supporting files can be uploaded when an FOI Request is submitted through the public portal. The system supports multiple file formats such as PDF, doc and docx.
Q9. Why do I have the option to select a delivery mode when submitting a FOI request on eFOIRM?
A9. You may specify how you prefer to receive the information in your FOI request by selecting a preferred delivery mode. You may also use the request description field to provide additional information about your preferred delivery mode.
Q10. Is there a file size limitation for attachments?
A10. We recommend that your file size not exceed 8MB.
Q11: Where can I find a list of Freedom of Information offices for FOI request inquiries?
A11. A list of all Freedom of Information offices can be found here.
Q12. Why do the request types use the ministries’ acronyms rather than the full name of the ministry?
A12. There is a system constraint that limits the spelling of ministries name. Here is a complete list of Ontario’s ministries:
Cabinet Office (CO)
Archives of Ontario / Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (AO-MPBSDP)
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG)
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (MCM)
Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU)
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT)
Ministry of Education (EDU)
Ministry of Energy and Electrification (ENERGY)
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)
Ministry of Finance (MOF)
Ministry of Francophone Affairs (MFA)
Ministry of Health (MOH)
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation (IAFNER)
Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI)
Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs (MIA)
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC)
Ministry of Mines (MINES)
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
Ministry of Northern Development (MND)
Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (MPBSDP)
Ministry of Red Tape Reduction (MRTR)
Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA)
Ministry of Sport (SPORT)
Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA)
Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN)
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG)
Ministry of Transportation (MTO)
Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS)