The Ombudsman promotes fairness in public administration and the provision of public services by objectively investigating complaints to determine whether a public agency has acted fairly and whether its actions and decisions are consistent with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
The Ombudsman Act provides the legislative framework for the Ombudsman to investigate, review investigation results and make recommendations.
Under Alberta’s Ombudsman Act, the Ombudsman can investigate any administrative decision, recommendation, act or omission of:
- Alberta provincial government, departments, agencies, boards and commissions,
- Alberta municipalities,
- Patient Concerns Resolution Process of Alberta Health Services,
- Self-regulated health professions proclaimed under the Health Professions Act and
- Other designated professional authorities such as accounting, forestry, veterinarian and agrologist professions.
The Public Interest Commissioner facilitates the disclosure and investigation of significant and serious matters in or relating to departments, public entities, offices or prescribed service providers, that an employee believes may be unlawful, dangerous to the public or injurious to the public interest. The Commissioner has the authority to investigate disclosures and complaints of reprisals, making strong and effective recommendations for corrective measures when wrongdoing is found.
The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act applies to provincial government departments, offices of the Legislature, Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Premier, Ministers and their offices, organizations in the health care sector and public entities, including provincial agencies, boards and commissions, postsecondary academic institutions, school boards, charter schools and accredited private schools that receive grants.
Drawing on executive-level leadership, investigative and management experience, the Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner provides strategic direction and guidance to the team of professionals in the Alberta Ombudsman’s Office and the Office of the Public Interest Commissioner, based in Edmonton and Calgary. All geographical regions of the province are served from these two locations. The Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner is located in Edmonton.