Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)
The legal status of verbal and written communication within an organization is deemed to be a record under FIPPA and in legal proceedings may be considered information released under hearings of discovery. The definition of a record under FIPPA is any record of information however recorded, whether in printed form, on film, by electronic or other means. This includes drafts, post it notes, hard drive files, blackberry, e-mail, voicemail, agendas, address books, and all recorded information.
E-mail and voicemail is a record to be used with the same care as other records. E-mails and voicemails are not a secure medium and therefore it is recommended that caution be used when sending personal information that may be forwarded. Information shared on these mediums should reflect the same level of objectivity as any professional communication. Subjectivity should be limited to professional opinion and not personal opinion. All communication is subject to harassment and discrimination issues under the Ontario Human Rights Code.