More about the office – FAQ

GENERAL

What is an ombudsman?

An ombudsman is a person appointed to investigate complaints. The word “ombudsman” has Swedish origins, and is often translated as “citizen’s representative” or “representative of the people”.

In Manitoba the ombudsman is an independent officer of the legislative assembly, who reports to the assembly through the Office of the Speaker. The ombudsman is appointed for a term of six years and may be re-appointed for one additional term. This security of tenure is one of the ways in which ombudsman neutrality is protected.

What is Manitoba Ombudsman?

“Manitoba Ombudsman” refers to both the individual appointed as ombudsman, and to the office as a whole. Manitoba Ombudsman can investigate your complaint about access to information and privacy matters, the fairness of government actions or decisions, or serious ‘wrongdoings’ that you believe may have occurred. The work of Manitoba’s ombudsman is supported by the ombudsman and by an office of staff who have delegated powers of the ombudsman.About 36 people are employed in the ombudsman’s office. 

Will it cost me any money to make a complaint?

No, our services are free.

If the ombudsman is funded by government, how can he or she be impartial?

The ombudsman is not part of any provincial government department or agency, or municipality. In other words, the ombudsman has an “arm’s length” relationship with the government he or she can investigate. At the same time the ombudsman has the authority and the access necessary to raise serious and important matters with the government.

Ombudsman offices are designed and structured to be impartial. Security of tenure, broad powers of investigation and the power to report publicly insulate the ombudsman from political interference. Historically, elected officials have demonstrated tremendous respect for the independence of ombudsmen. Like the public, legislators can rely upon the neutrality of the office. The job of an ombudsman is to investigate complaints and recommend improvements to the administration and implementation of government programs and services. The effective administration of government programs is a goal shared by all legislators.

Can the ombudsman act as my advocate?

People who make complaints to the ombudsman sometimes feel that we should be more of an advocate for their position. Government sometimes feels like we are being too much of an advocate. The ombudsman’s role is not to be an advocate for an individual. To assume the role of an advocate would be to undermine our neutrality. We must investigate in an impartial manner and come to a conclusion based on our investigative findings. However, when necessary, we are an advocate for administrative improvement. Ombudsman advocacy differs from traditional advocacy in many respects.

Can a complaint or disclosure be made anonymously?

Yes, but if we are unable to get additional information, we may be limited in our ability to follow up on the issue or complaint. We also couldn’t provide any information on what happened after.

Can I remain anonymous if I make a complaint?

In all cases, we do not publish the names of complainants/whistleblowers in our investigation reports, but details of your complaint or disclosure will be shared with the public body you are complaining about.

• For public interest/whistleblowing disclosures, all efforts are made to maintain the confidentiality of the person making the disclosure. Confidentiality is an integral part of the PIDA disclosure process. Once initial information is gathered, the PIDA process focuses on the information and the allegations being made about a public body. We will discuss our process and reprisal protection with you.
• For Ombudsman Act related complaints, we are required to share information about a complaint with the public body being complained about to have a fair investigation. Please discuss any concerns you have with your assigned investigator.
• FIPPA and PHIA complaints are about requests for information you made to a public body or trustee, or relate to how your personal information was handled, so it is not possible to remain anonymous throughout the investigation process.

Must I make my complaint in English?

Some employees in the ombudsman’s office speak both English and French. If necessary, we can obtain a translator for other languages, or provide information in an alternate format.