Open Data

Introduction

Open data is data that can be freely used, shared and built-on by anyone, anywhere, for any purpose. The City of Winnipeg Open Data Portal is where the City's open data is stored and available for anyone who wants to use it. We are asking you to get involved in the future of our Open Data Program by posting your ideas below.

Background

There are four core Open Government principles which have been established by the Open Government Partnership:

• Transparency: This includes publication of all government-held information (as opposed to only information on government activities); proactive or reactive releases of information; mechanisms to strengthen the right to information; and open access to government information.
• Accountability: There are rules, regulations and mechanisms in place that call upon government to justify their actions, act upon criticisms or requirements made of them, and accept responsibility for failure to perform with respect to laws or commitments. Commitments on accountability should typically include an answerability element, i.e. that they are not purely internal systems of accountability but involve the public.
• Participation: Governments seek to mobilize residents to engage in a dialogue on government policies or programs, provide input or feedback, and make contributions that lead to more responsive, innovative and effective governance.
• Technology and Innovation: Governments embrace the importance of providing citizens with open access to technology, the role of new technologies in driving innovation, and the importance of increasing the capacity of citizens to use technology. E-government initiatives are welcome, but in order to be relevant to OGP, action plans should explain how these initiatives advance government transparency, accountability and/or public participation.