Join us in celebrating the 5th annual Ombuds Day!
What is Ombuds Day?
Ombuds Day is recognized internationally on the second Thursday of October to bring awareness to the important role ombuds play in their respective communities. In countries around the world, ombuds work to pursue fair treatment and protect people from maladministration. This October 13, 2022, marks the fifth annual Ombuds Day and acknowledges all types and variations within the profession.
Why is Ombuds Day important?
The goal for Ombuds Day is to bring awareness to a profession that has existed for centuries but is not widely understood or even known. An ombudsman can bring alternative dispute resolution services to college and university environments, healthcare institutions, corporations, the media, financial institutions 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.
