Your Voice of Fairness.
An Alberta Ombudsman review of the Student Aid Alberta program has led to changes by the province to improve information and transparency regarding the student loan review process. The Ombudsman’s review was triggered by a student inquiry in 2014 about the review process. The Ombudsman found there was insufficient information on Alberta Innovation and Advanced…
The Alberta Ombudsman investigates complaints to determine whether a government entity has acted fairly and reasonably, and whether its actions and decisions were consistent with relevant legislation, policies and procedures. The Ombudsman is independent from government. We strive to be open, approachable and responsive to the questions and concerns of all Albertans. Below are some…
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,…
By Peter Hourihan Alberta Ombudsman (Some details about the complainant have been changed to protect his privacy.) How does a 10 second encounter turn into 10 years of frustration? In the case of one Albertan who complained to our office, a thoughtless comment led to a breakdown in trust of the health care system –…
Alberta’s Ombudsman, Peter Hourihan, spoke recently with members of the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs in Lethbridge about the role of both the offices of the Ombudsman and the Public Interest Commissioner. Click the links below to hear Peter’s September 18 speech, as well as a question and answer session. Speech: http://sacpa.ca/userfile/session/649_0.mp3 Q &…
Joe Loran, Deputy Ombudsman, and Diann Bowes, an investigations manager who heads up the Ombudsman’s Own Motion Team, discuss an ongoing investigation. Last year, the Alberta Ombudsman created a special investigations team. Its mission was to conduct own motion investigations, which can be triggered at any time, on any matter of public interest under our…
On Wednesday, April 9, the Alberta Ombudsman was made aware this website, and the website for the Public Interest Commissioner (www.yourvoiceprotected.ca) were some of the thousands of sites around the world vulnerable to the so-called Heartbleed loophole, or bug. News stories indicate websites using OpenSSL for site security (including Yahoo, the FBI, the Canada Revenue…
Peter Hourihan dropped by Edmonton’s 630 CHED studios recently to chat about his dual roles as Alberta’s Ombudsman and the province’s first Public Interest Commissioner. The stop was part of Peter’s efforts to raise awareness of the services offered by both independent offices of the Alberta legislature. He chatted with 630 CHED hosts Andrew Grose and…
Peter Hourihan, Alberta’s Ombudsman, has officially begun his duties as the province’s first Public Interest Commissioner. The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act came into effect June 1, 2013, and in the weeks following Mr. Hourihan’s appointment as Commissioner, he was been working to set up the Public Interest Commissioner’s office, hiring staff and developing an interactive…
Welcome to the third issue of our electronic newsletter. As always, our goal is to inform you about the work our office does as we investigate complaints of unfair treatment – and how it may impact you as a front line worker or decision-maker in government. In this issue, you’ll find a preview of our…