News
Ombuds Day!
October 9 is Ombuds Day in Canada! Ombuds provide citizens with a free, confidential, neutral and informal way to voice concerns about government and public services.
An ombudsman can:
- assist people in resolving disputes by helping them understand their options and facilitating communication between them and the public service provider
- empower people to express their concerns to decision makers in public service organizations
- give voice to issues when people may not be able to raise concerns on their own
Manitoba Ombudsman tries to address people’s complaints and concerns as quickly as possible and is often able to help resolve concerns informally. The Ombudsman also conducts investigations into complex and serious issues and can make recommendations for administrative or systemic improvements that address unfairness in a public organization.
Improving Public Services
By bringing issues to light, the Ombudsman can the issues get addressed, prevent future problems and improve public services. Public organizations can also be proactive by ensuring they are providing fair processes, services and treatment. Fairness can be reflected in how citizens are informed or engaged, how actions align with law and policy, how conflicts of interest or prejudices are accounted for and managed, and in many other ways. The Manitoba Ombudsman, in collaboration with ombud offices across Canada, has guidance to help public bodies assess and build fairness into their practices.
The Ombudsman’s Broader Mandates
The Manitoba Ombudsman is distinct in Canada as a provincial office whose mandate is outlined by four different pieces of legislation. Not only do they act as an Ombudsman, they are also the equivalent of an information and privacy commissioner and a public interest commissioner – titles found in other provinces and around the world. Learn more about the office and its four mandates.