This article by Alberta Ombudsman staffer Daniel Johns (pictured right) and former Correctional Investigator of Canada Howard Sapers (pictured left) was first published by Policy Magazine, based out of Ottawa. Mr. Johns started as an investigator more than 30 years ago while Mr. Sapers is a former Alberta Member of the Legislative…
Everyone benefits when the Ombudsman helps parties on both sides find quick, simple solutions. If the Ombudsman’s office can facilitate a fair solution to address a complaint, we can reduce frustration for all. Early resolution is a preliminary investigative step where the Ombudsman investigator takes action to resolve the issue informally and as efficiently as…
Albertans submitted over 5,100 complaints about unfair treatment, states the Alberta Ombudsman’s 53rd annual report. “The fundamental purpose of the Ombudsman is to be of service to the people. In providing oversight, too often we see avoidable instances of unfairness stemming from a disagreement with a decision, poor service delivery or inadequate communication,” Marianne Ryan…
EDMONTON – On Thursday, October 8, 2020, provincial and territorial offices of the Ombudsman from across Canada will celebrate Ombuds Day, a day to recognize a profession that has existed for centuries yet remains relatively unknown and underutilized: the Ombuds. “The role of the Ombudsman is in ensuring citizens with a right to access a…
While retirement is a milestone most of us will achieve, not many of us will reach 47 years at the same office. “When I started in 1973, the Ombudsman’s office was relatively new and the relationship between the office and many government departments was less than congenial. But, as departments became more familiar with the…
The Alberta Ombudsman was saddened to hear about the passing of Brian Carver, a long-term employee of the office. Brian died on May 23, 2020 in Sherwood Park at age 82. Brian spent 17 years with the Alberta Ombudsman, starting as an investigator and eventually being appointed director of the north office. His dedication…
In light of the ongoing situation with COVID-19, we have adapted our business practices to serve Albertans remotely. We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure we are able to meet the requirements of our legislation, while we align with the latest announcements made to protect public health. Every Albertan has the right to…
Until further notice and effective immediately, we have made the decision to close offices in both Edmonton and Calgary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The health and well-being of our staff and visitors to our office remains of primary importance to us. We are closely monitoring this rapidly evolving situation to ensure our…
This fall, the Ombudsman and a team of managers set off on the first leg of her tour to promote fair decision-making in adult provincial correctional facilities. The visits stemmed from a pilot presentation at Edmonton Remand Centre in March 2019, where investigators were invited to speak on the importance of good administrative fairness practices.…
EDMONTON – the Alberta Ombudsman releases a report on Mental Health Review Panels. In 2013 and 2014, the previous Alberta Ombudsman found broad areas of unfairness with Mental Health Review Panels (review panels) processes and made several recommendations to improve the situation. We launched this investigation because the 2014 recommendations had not been fully implemented.…