Understanding FIPPA
Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), you have the right to request access to City records and information about yourself or other matters of interest to you. The City of Winnipeg offers a great deal of information to the public through our website, www.winnipeg.ca.
Before submitting a FIPPA application, try searching the Access to Information: Released Records. You can also search the City of Winnipeg’s website or the following resources:
FIPPA does not replace existing procedures for gaining access to information which is normally available to the public. When information is not available informally or through another process, a formal request for access can be made under FIPPA by using the FIPPA Application Form.
If you are requesting information on behalf of someone else, or wish to obtain information about another person, you must supply the City of Winnipeg with signed authorization from that individual.
What is FIPPA exactly?
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act came into effect on May 4, 1998 and in the City of Winnipeg on August 31, 1998. FIPPA provides for the legal right of access to records held by the City of Winnipeg, subject to certain exceptions. It also provides for the protection of privacy and personal information by limiting the ways that personal information can be collected, used, and disseminated.
What information can I request?
Under FIPPA, you have the right to request access to City records and information about yourself or other matters of interest to you. The City of Winnipeg offers a great deal of information to the public through our website, Winnipeg.ca. Before submitting a FIPPA application, try searching the website or call 311 to see if you can get the information you need. When information is not available informally or through another process, a formal request for access can be made under FIPPA.
FIPPA does not replace existing procedures for gaining access to information which is normally available to the public.
To find out more about FIPPA and how it applies to The City of Winnipeg, such as specific exceptions to disclosure, and restrictions on the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, please consult the following external websites:
- The Government of Manitoba's Understanding FIPPA website.
- The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act legislation.
You may also wish to contact the City of Winnipeg's Corporate FIPPA Coordinator by
Mail:
City Clerk's Department
Susan A. Thompson Building
510 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1B9
Phone: 311
Fax: 204-986-7133
Email
Your Privacy
FIPPA permits public bodies, like the City of Winnipeg, to collect, use and disclose your personal information. There are, however, privacy considerations and responsibilities under FIPPA that apply to collection, use, disclosure, retention, security and destruction of records.
If you believe that your personal information has been improperly handled by the City, please email the Corporate FIPPA Coordinator. You also have the right to make a complaint to the Manitoba Ombudsman if you think a public body:
- should not have collected your information or collected it in a manner contrary to FIPPA
- used your information for some purpose differently from how you expected it to be used
- disclosed your information to some other person or organization and you think this is wrong.
Complaint forms are available on the Manitoba Ombudsman’s website or you can contact their office by phone at 204-982-9130 or toll-free at 1-800-665-0531.
