Request Automated Decision Explanations - Winnipeg Bylaw

Technology and Data Manitoba 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Manitoba

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, residents and businesses may encounter automated or algorithmic decisions in city services ranging from permit processing to licensing and parking enforcement. This guide explains how to ask for an explanation of an automated decision, which offices to contact, and what legal routes and timelines may apply when the City or its contractors use automated decision systems. It focuses on municipal procedures and the provincial access regime that governs records and review. Use the steps below to prepare a precise request, know likely outcomes, and pursue review or appeal if the explanation is incomplete.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Winnipeg does not currently publish a dedicated municipal bylaw setting fines specific to failures to provide automated decision explanations; financial penalties and remedies are governed mainly by provincial access and privacy legislation and by general municipal enforcement powers. For City-held records and requests, the City Clerk's Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (ATIPP) office is the primary contact and enforcer for disclosure obligations in municipal records (City ATIPP)[1]. Provincial statutes set statutory review and appeal paths for access disputes (Manitoba FIPPA)[2].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for automated-decision explanation failures; consult the City ATIPP and provincial FIPPA pages for related enforcement rules.
    Administrative fines for failing to comply are not specified on the cited City page.
  • Escalation: first complaints normally lead to internal review; continued noncompliance may result in provincial review or court application as provided by FIPPA.
    Start with the City ATIPP office before seeking provincial review.
  • Non-monetary remedies: orders to disclose records, directions to correct records, and court or tribunal remedies under provincial statutes are the usual routes; specific powers and remedies are described in FIPPA materials (Manitoba FIPPA)[2].
  • Enforcer and complaints: the City Clerk's ATIPP office handles municipal access requests; complaints may be taken to the provincial oversight body identified in FIPPA. See official contact pages for submission instructions (City ATIPP)[1].

Applications & Forms

  • Access request form: the City provides an Access to Information request form and instructions on the City ATIPP page; fees and exact submission addresses are listed there or noted as "not specified" if absent on the page.(City ATIPP)[1]
  • Fees: specific application fees for requesting explanations of automated decisions are not specified on the cited City page; check the City ATIPP page for any fee schedule.
  • Deadlines: provincial access rules typically set an initial response period (see Manitoba FIPPA) and allow statutory extensions; confirm timelines on the provincial page (Manitoba FIPPA)[2].

For requests that relate specifically to datasets, algorithmic models, or code used by the City, check Winnipeg's open data and digital services resources for published documentation and datasets; some explanatory material may be public there (Winnipeg Open Data)[3].

When requesting an explanation, identify the specific decision, date, and any reference or file number.

Common Violations and Typical Remedies

  • Failure to acknowledge or process an access request within statutory timeframes: remedy may be internal review or provincial review under FIPPA.
  • Withholding explanations by overbroad application of exemptions: appeals and review to the provincial oversight office are common.
  • Incomplete technical disclosure where proprietary claims arise: the City may provide summaries or redacted explanations; additional review routes vary by case.
Technical algorithm details may be limited by privacy, security, or proprietary exceptions.

FAQ

Who can request an explanation of an automated decision?
Any person affected by a municipal decision or any person requesting municipal records may submit an access request through the City ATIPP process.
How long will the City take to respond?
Response times follow provincial access rules; check the Manitoba FIPPA page for the statutory initial response period and any permitted extensions (Manitoba FIPPA)[2].
What if the City refuses to explain an automated decision?
You may request an internal review and, if unresolved, file a complaint or appeal under the provincial review process described by FIPPA.

How-To

  1. Identify the decision: note service, date, reference number, and any communication you received.
  2. Prepare an access request: use the City’s Access to Information request form or submit a written request to the City Clerk's ATIPP office specifying you seek an explanation of an automated decision.
  3. Submit the request: follow submission instructions on the City ATIPP page and retain proof of delivery (City ATIPP)[1].
  4. Review the response: if the explanation is incomplete, request internal review and consult the provincial FIPPA guidance for appeals (Manitoba FIPPA)[2].
  5. Escalate if needed: file a complaint with the provincial oversight office or seek judicial review where available under FIPPA.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with a clear, specific access request identifying the decision.
  • Contact the City Clerk's ATIPP office for forms and procedural guidance.
  • Use provincial FIPPA review routes if internal resolution fails.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Winnipeg - Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (ATIPP)
  2. [2] Government of Manitoba - Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FIPPA)
  3. [3] Data Winnipeg - Open Data Portal

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