Alberta Ombudsman finds inadequate Regulation impacts benefit access for people with developmental disabilities. The Alberta Ombudsman has released a public report on his investigation into the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program which found systemic issues in how the program assesses intellectual capacity. The investigation, initiated by a complaint from a mother advocating for her…
WHAT HAPPENED? Our office received a complaint from a senior who was denied assistance to fund a dental procedure. At the time, he was receiving benefits through a program called the Dental Assistance for Seniors Program, or DASP. The individual, who was familiar with the Ombudsman’s office, believed the denial was unfair because he was…
The Alberta Ombudsman met with more than 60 members of the Elders Advocates of Alberta Society on January 27 in Edmonton. “We heard a lot of comments and questions about seniors care, and it echoes what we hear on a regular basis when we meet with complainants or deliver presentations across Alberta,” said Peter Hourihan,…
Visiting communities across Alberta is one of the best ways to connect with people. That’s why Alberta’s Ombudsman, Peter Hourihan, and a team of investigators have been visiting towns and cities across the province since last spring. The goal is to hear first-hand from Albertans about the issues and concerns they face when dealing with…
PROGRAMS ADRIFT Complaints to the Ombudsman Reveal Systemic Issues In Kevin Brezinski’s latest public report, systemic issues were uncovered within the Alberta Adult Health Benefit program and Alberta Child Health Benefit program, operated jointly by Alberta Health and Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS). The Albertans accessing the programs are those with lower income who…
PROGRAMS ADRIFT Complaints to The Ombudsman Reveal Systemic IssuesThe Alberta Ombudsman has released a public report into the Alberta Adult Health Benefit and Alberta Child Health Benefit programs. The investigation brought to light systemic issues with the programs. “It is always particularly concerning when the complaints come from Albertans who are vulnerable or rely on…
Everyone benefits when the Ombudsman helps parties on both sides find quick, simple solutions. If the Ombudsman’s office can facilitate a fair solution to address a complaint, we can reduce frustration for all. Early resolution is a preliminary investigative step where the Ombudsman investigator takes action to resolve the issue informally and as efficiently as…
This case involves Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Indigenous Services Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNHIB) (previously Health Canada). As background, in 2015 an Indigenous woman required ambulance services. She believed that as an Indigenous person she was exempt from paying the costs. Her understanding was based at least in part…
These links are provided for your information and convenience. The Alberta Ombudsman’s office does not assume any responsibility for the content of external websites. Government Departments & Agencies Government of Alberta Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Alberta Human Rights Commission Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board Appeals Secretariat (Alberta Works…
Own Motion Investigation – Programs Adrift In Kevin Brezinski’s latest public report, systemic issues were uncovered within the Alberta Adult Health Benefit program and Alberta Child Health Benefit program, operated jointly by Alberta Health and Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS). The Albertans accessing the programs are those with lower income who may be pregnant…