Is Your Complaint Ready for Us

Before the Ombudsman can review your complaint you should try to resolve it directly with the department or professional organization you are complaining about. That means you should complete its review or appeal process and if there is no review or appeal process, take your complaint directly to a supervisor within the department or professional organization where the decision was made. If you have completed this process and still feel you were treated unfairly, then contact the Alberta Ombudsman's office. Keep in mind that if there are rights of review or appeal or other remedies available to you, and you do not exercise them, the Ombudsman may decide to refuse to investigate your complaint.
 

In an effort to resolve your complaint, you can take the following steps:

• Ask if you can speak with a supervisor or manager about your issue.
• Ask if there is a review or appeal available.
• Write down the names of the people you speak with, when you spoke with them and what they said.
• Treat people respectfully and courteously, and listen carefully to them.
• Ask questions if you do not understand what is being said.
• When complaining in writing, clearly explain the issue. Keep a copy of your correspondence and other documentation.