September was an eventful month for the Alberta Ombudsman’s office, highlighted by the release of our 57th Annual Report and a meaningful trip to Red Deer. This journey, made by the Alberta Ombudsman and select staff, stands out as an effective way to raise awareness about the services we offer to Albertans and to provide valuable education to local authorities. Engaging with communities across the province helps us build stronger relationships and ensures that residents know how to access our services. Below are some key highlights.
Panel Discussion
We were privileged to participate in the 2024 Alberta Municipalities Convention, where we presented on the panel titled “Fostering a Culture of Respect in Council Chambers, Social Media, and Beyond.” Our senior investigator shared insights on effective policies for managing complaints, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful environment in municipal governance.
Additionally, our Director of Investigations joined Andrew Knack, Alberta Municipalities Board Director and Edmonton Councillor, and Nanton Mayor Jennifer Handley on a panel discussion. Together, they addressed pressing questions from municipal staff about best practices in complaint resolution and social media. This session was beneficial for promoting a culture of respect and transparency in local governance.
Trade Show
Our participation in the Alberta Municipalities Trade Show furthered our commitment to connecting with municipalities. This event, featuring a diverse range of vendors and organizations, allowed us to showcase our role since gaining jurisdiction over municipalities in 2018. Over two days of vibrant discussions, we offered municipalities practical tools and resources designed to enhance fairness in complaint handling, including:
- Tips for Handling Council Code of Conduct Complaints
- Recommendations FAQs for Municipalities
- Negligence and Liability FAQs for Municipalities
- Dealing Fairly with Unreasonable Conduct by Complainants
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Our goal is to foster a collaborative approach to resolving issues that everyday Albertans face, highlight the benefits of our services, and the opportunity for referrals to our office.
Engagement Meetings
In addition to the panel and trade show, the Ombudsman had the opportunity to connect with organizations in Red Deer that make a meaningful impact in the community. He participated in two meetings that highlighted the region’s collaborative spirit. Many individuals in these communities may not be aware of the resources available to them, and our goal is to bridge that gap. The first meeting included representatives from key organizations such as the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership, Care for Newcomers, Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society, Catholic Social Services, and FRAP-Région Red Deer.
The second meeting included executive directors and staff from Family Services of Central Alberta, Turning Point Society, Red Deer Public Library, Lifelong Learning Council, Women’s Emergency Shelter, United Way of Central Alberta, and the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.
These discussions illuminated the unique challenges faced by diverse community members, allowing us to share insights about the Ombudsman’s role and how Albertans can get in touch.
Through these engagements, we are committed to ensuring that every Albertan knows their rights and has access to the support they need. Thank you, Red Deer, for your warm welcome and for the opportunity to connect!
