Investigative Interview

An investigative interview is an information-gathering step that may occur during an Insurance Council of Manitoba (ICM) investigation.

The purpose of the interview is to:

• Obtain information relevant to the investigation;
• Clarify facts and circumstances;
• Obtain explanations regarding matters under review;
• Identify additional evidence or witnesses;
• Address inconsistencies in the available information; and
• Provide the individual with an opportunity to be heard. 

An investigative interview is not a hearing and no findings or decisions will be made during the interview. 

An interview may be requested when:

• Facts are disputed;
• Clarification is required;
• Additional information is needed;
• Documents do not fully address the issues;
• Reliability or consistency of information must be assessed; or
• The Investigator determines an interview is reasonably necessary to complete the investigation. 

Not every investigation requires an interview. In some cases, the relevant information can be obtained through documents, correspondence, or other investigative steps. 

Where an interview is required, the individual will be contacted by an Investigator and provided with information regarding:

• The date and time of the interview;
• The interview format;
• The general subject matter under investigation;
• Representation rights; and
• Any documents that should be provided before the interview. 

Individuals participating in an investigative interview may be represented by legal counsel or another representative of their choosing. 

If a representative will be attending, ICM requests advance notice so that appropriate scheduling arrangements can be made. 

Investigative interviews are generally conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams. 

Microsoft Teams is the preferred interview format because it:

• Supports attendance by legal counsel or representatives;
• Allows for recording and transcription;
• Supports workplace safety; and
• Facilitates efficient scheduling and document review. 

Telephone interviews or in-person interviews may be used where appropriate. 

Investigative interviews are recorded. The recording and any transcript prepared from the recording may form part of the evidentiary record of the investigation and any subsequent regulatory proceeding. 

A transcript of the interview may be made available upon request in accordance with applicable legislation. 

The original recording remains the authoritative record of the interview. 

At the beginning of the interview, the Investigator will explain the interview process and answer any questions regarding the procedure. 

The Investigator may:

• Ask questions regarding the matters under investigation;
• Request clarification of information;
• Review documents and records;
• Discuss timelines and events;
• Request details regarding relevant communications; and
• Identify additional evidence or witnesses. 

Individuals will be provided with an opportunity to:

• Respond to the concerns being reviewed;
• Provide explanations;
• Submit supporting information;
• Identify documents that should be considered; and
• Raise any other information they believe is relevant. 

Information obtained during an investigative interview becomes part of the investigation file and may be considered together with other available evidence. 

Additional documents may be provided before, during, or after the interview where relevant to the investigation. 

Following the interview, the Investigator may:

• Review the information obtained;
• Assess any additional evidence received;
• Conduct further investigative steps;
• Request additional information; or
• Conclude the investigation and prepare a report for Council’s consideration. 

A follow-up interview may occur where new evidence is obtained or additional clarification is required. 

Investigative interviews are conducted for information-gathering purposes only.

The Investigator does not determine the outcome of the investigation during the interview. The Investigator’s role is to gather, assess, and present information for Council’s consideration. 

No findings, disciplinary decisions, or sanctions are imposed during an investigative interview.