Role of the Alberta Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is an Officer of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and reports directly to the Legislative Assembly. The Ombudsman operates independently from any part of the Alberta government and individual elected officials. The authority for the Ombudsman to investigate complaints is found in the Alberta Ombudsman Act.

The Alberta Ombudsman responds to complaints of unfair treatment by provincial government authorities, the patient concerns resolution process of Alberta Health Services and designated professional organizations under the Health Professions Act, Regulated Accounting Profession Act, Regulated Forestry Profession Act, Veterinary Profession Act and the Agrology Profession Act.

The Ombudsman cannot investigate federal or municipal governments, MLAs, federal/municipal police forces, universities/schools, matters handled by the courts and/or private matters.

The Ombudsman promotes standards of fairness and has the authority to make recommendations if his investigation identifies administrative unfairness.