Join us in celebrating the 6th annual Ombuds Day!
What is Ombuds Day?
Every year on the second Thursday of October, the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Dispute Resolution Section Ombuds Committee and Ombuds Day Subcommittee invite us to celebrate Ombudsman Day. It’s a day dedicated to bringing awareness to a profession that has quietly played a pivotal role in resolving conflicts for centuries: the Ombudsman. This year, the theme is “Ombuds: Diverse in Role. United in Service.”
What is the role of the Ombudsman?
An ombudsman can bring alternative dispute resolution services to municipalities, government departments, agencies and more. While specific mandates may differ, all Ombuds value independence, the rule of law, and open government. Bringing attention to these important roles encourages greater use of an Ombudsman’s services by those who need them.
How can the Alberta Ombudsman’s help?
The word “ombudsman” is a gender-neutral term of Swedish origin that means “people’s representative.” The Alberta Ombudsman’s office is the longest serving parliamentary ombudsman’s office in North America. When we receive a complaint that someone has been treated unfairly, the goal is not to lay blame but to fix problems and help improve administrative processes integral to public services.
If you or someone you know has a complaint and it’s been taken as far up the chain as you know how, give us a call. We may be able to help. Find out more information here.
