Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. Guide to FOIP, CHAPTER 5, Third Party Information. Updated 9 March 2023. 30 (3) Subject to Part V, a head may give access to a record that contains information described in subsection (1) if: (a) disclosure of that information could reasonably be expected to be in the public interest as it relates to public health, public safety or protection of the environment; and (b) the public interest in disclosure could reasonably be expected to clearly outweigh in importance any: (i) financial loss or gain to; (ii) prejudice to the competitive position of; or (iii) interference with contractual or other negotiations of; a third party. Subsection 19(1)(c)(i) of FOIP is a mandatory, harm-based exemption. It permits refusal of access in situations where disclosure of information could reasonably be expected to result in financial loss or gain to a third party. The following two-part test can be applied: 1. What is the financial loss or gain being claimed Financial loss or gain must be monetary, have a monetary equivalent or value (e.g., loss of revenue or loss of corporate reputation).69 2. Could release of the record reasonably be expected to result in financial loss or gain to a third party For this exemption to apply there must be objective grounds for believing that disclosing the information could result in loss or gain to a third party measured in monetary terms (e.g., loss of revenue).70 69 Adapted from British Columbia Government Services, FOIPPA Policy and Procedures Manual at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/services-for-government/policiesprocedures/foippa-manual/policy-definitions#undue_fin_gain. Accessed August 29, 2019. 70 Adapted from British Columbia Government Services, FOIPPA Policy and Procedures Manual at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/services-for-government/policiesprocedures/foippa-manual/policy-definitions#undue_fin_gain and Service Alberta, FOIP Guidelines and Practices: 2009 Edition, Chapter 4 at p. 108.
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