The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Canada at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Consulate in Winnipeg does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizen Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or establishment, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of services provided.

Review OSAC’s Winnipeg-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

The U.S. Consulate in Winnipeg represents the U.S. Government in the Province of Manitoba.

Crime Threats

There is minimal risk from crime in Winnipeg. The overall crime rate for Winnipeg may be low, but crimes of opportunity and all other categories of crime do occur. In 2017, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) reported that crime rates continue to rise. Violent crime was up 7% and Property crime was up by 9%. Assaults against police officers, thefts from vehicles, and sexual assaults have increased. In 2018, the WPS responded to 22 murders. The WPS noted an increase in the use of guns in the commission of crime. There is no evidence that U.S. travelers are directly targets for any criminal activity in Winnipeg.

While the downtown area is an enjoyable area of boutiques and restaurants during the day and early evening, drug dealing and prostitution activity occurs, with occasional incidents of violence outside the bars as they close. In addition, aggressive panhandling occurs near the Consulate and the downtown area.

Vehicle thefts are common, even from locked garages. Vehicle break-ins are common; GPS units, electronics, bags, identification, and loose change are alluring.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybersecurity and internet-related crime issues are similar to those identified in the U.S. Travelers to Winnipeg should continue to practice smart internet usage and guard all financial transactions.

Other Areas of Concern

International parental child abductions between Canada and the U.S. do occur. For procedures for coordinating with courts, establishing jurisdiction, other issues associated with handling these cases, see the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the “Hague Convention”).

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Driving conditions are very similar to the U.S., but severe winter weather conditions may make traveling by road dangerous. Due to harsh winters with snow and ice, in addition to road treatments, public roads are often in a state of constant repair/maintenance. Consider carrying roadside emergency kits, especially in inclement weather.

Road safety and road conditions are posted in kilometers per hour, and some signs may be bilingual (English/French). Drivers should be cautious of deer, elk, and moose while driving at night in rural areas. The WPS routinely set up vehicle checkpoints on main roads/highways to interdict impaired drivers. Drivers must use hands-free devices if they wish to use cell phones while driving; WPS routinely station plain-clothes officers to observe and ticket vehicle operators using electronic devices without hands-free attachments.

Do not leave valuables in the car. If you must leave items in the car, keep them locked in the trunk. Never pick up hitchhikers. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report, Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

Public Transportation Conditions

Public transportation in the GWA (Greater Winnipeg Area) is safe, and similar to most public transportation systems found in the U.S. Thefts and assaults can and do take place. Protect purses and bags while in crowds. 

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Severe winter weather conditions may make air travel. Harsh winter weather often causes flight delays, cancelations, and re-routed flights. Remain updated on current weather conditions and the status of individual flights. Prepare for itinerary changes and delays.

Terrorism Threat

There is minimal risk from terrorism in Winnipeg.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

There is minimal anti-U.S. sentiment in Canada.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest 

There is minimal risk from political violence in Winnipeg. The Consulate was the focus of one demonstration in 2018. Demonstrations protesting U.S. foreign policy and the lack of U.S. support/aid to other countries can take place in any foreign city.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Natural disasters are rare, but winters can be extremely cold. Even small earthquakes are rare in the Winnipeg area.

Critical Infrastructure

The government HAZMAT and Emergency Response Unit is fully capable of responding and providing assistance for all types of industrial and transportation accidents. There have been several railroad-related accidents nationwide since 2013. As a result, federal rail laws have changed, and rail cars transporting fuel now must be double-hulled.

Economic Concerns

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other Canadian law enforcement agencies are committed to “undertaking coordinated action to counter the threats posed by intellectual property crime.”

Privacy Concerns

There is a relatively low risk of privacy concerns in Canada. The Privacy Commissioner handles several complaints each year about violations of privacy rights. According to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, “Canada has two federal privacy laws, the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. The Privacy Act imposes obligations on some 250 federal government departments and agencies to respect privacy rights by limiting the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. The Privacy Act gives individuals the right to access and request correction of personal information about themselves held by these federal government organizations. Individuals are also protected by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Ace (PIPEDA) that sets out ground rules for how private sector organizations may collect, use or disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities. The law gives individuals the right to access and request correction of the personal information these organizations maybe have collected about them.”

Drug-related Crimes

Drug crime rose 15% in 2017. The reason behind the increase is due in large part to the growing use of methamphetamine and the pattern of violence associated with the illicit drug trade. Methamphetamine use occurs in parks in metro Winnipeg. WPS continue to pursue and arrest drug operations. Organized crime is present and centered around drug trafficking and outlaw motorcycle gangs. Marijuana is now legal in Canada. 

Police Response

The Winnipeg Police are the local law enforcement service for Winnipeg. The police services are extremely proactive and responsive in addressing criminal activity surrounding the Consulate.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

There are no guarantees that law enforcement authorities would notify the U.S. Consulate when crime occurs. Direct concerns of unlawful police detention of a U.S. citizen to American Citizen Service (ACS) during normal working hours (1-416-595-1700). All issues involving U.S. diplomats or citizens detained after hours should call the Consulate Duty Officer (1-416-595-1700). The Regional Security Office (RSO) will handle any issues of police harassment.

Crime Victim Assistance

Dial 911 for emergency assistance. The WPS provides assistance for victims of crime.

Police/Security Agencies

Federal Police: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is the national police service and an agency of the Ministry of Public Safety. The RCMP is unique since it is a national, federal, provincial, and municipal policing body, providing a total federal policing service to all Canadians and policing services under contract to the three territories, eight provinces (except Ontario and Quebec), more than 190 municipalities, 184 Aboriginal communities, and three international airports.

In 2012, the RCMP created a new unit, The National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains. The new unit maintains a national database for finding missing people and identifying human remains that link investigators from across the country when their cases match. The database provides support to police, coroners, and medical examiners, and lets them compare their findings to cases from across the country. 

Medical Emergencies

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

St. Boniface General Hospital is a full-service hospital including trauma care and airlift unit. The hospital is located near the downtown area and is easily accessible. To reach the main line, dial (204) 233-8563. For patient inquiries regarding emergencies, dial (204) 237-2260

For medical assistance, refer to the Consulate’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

STARS Winnipeg:  204 786 4647, https://www.stars.ca/mb/

Insurance Guidance

Manitoba provides insurance for its taxpaying citizens. Visitors to Manitoba can receive access to medical practitioners. Acceptance of insurance is on a case-by-case basis. Depending upon the location, the traveler may have to pay for services up front and seek reimbursement from their individual insurance provider in the U.S. Facilities will not deny medical services to emergency cases.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Canada.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no Country Council in Winnipeg. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Western Hemisphere Team with any questions.

U.S. Consulate Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation:

U.S. Consulate Winnipeg: 201 Portage Avenue, suite 860, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 3K6 

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 0800-1700

Consulate Contact Numbers:

Telephone number:  (204) 940-1800

Nearby Posts: Embassy Ottawa, Consulate Calgary, Consulate Halifax, Consulate Montreal, Consulate Québec, Consulate Toronto, Consulate Vancouver

U.S. citizens traveling to Canada should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Canada Country Information Sheet