Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Reconciliation Garden, Kihciy Maskikiy/Aakaakmotaani Now Open to the Public The Opening Ceremony On Friday, September 29th, the Reconciliation Garden ‘Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani’ opened to the public in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Our office was grateful to have been given the invitation to attend the opening ceremony. This garden and…

Read more

Black History Month – The Ombudsman meets with the African Canadian Civic Engagement Council

EDMONTON – Alberta Ombudsman, Kevin Brezinski and his staff met with the African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) today. The organization, led by Executive Director and President, Dunia Nur, is a national public affairs organization that promotes and strengthens opportunities for African, Caribbean, Black and Racialized Communities. “ACCEC’s research initiatives speak to the lived experiences…

Read more

Kevin Brezinski Takes the Helm as Alberta’s New Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner

A swearing-in ceremony for the leader of two independent offices of the Alberta Legislative Assembly took place today. Kevin Brezinski is Alberta’s tenth Ombudsman and third Public Interest Commissioner, accepting a five-year appointment to the dual roles. As an independent Officer of the Legislative Assembly, Brezinski will lead investigative operations for both offices. “Hearing I…

Read more

Collaboration Across Borders

The Alberta Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner’s offices welcomed distinguished guests from Nigeria this week. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, is a special committee of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with powers of oversight functions and mandate to consider all petitions from Nigerians, both public and private. The…

Read more

Ombuds Day 2022

Join us in celebrating the 5th annual Ombuds Day!   What is Ombuds Day? Ombuds Day is recognized internationally on the second Thursday of October to bring awareness to the important role ombuds play in their respective communities. In countries around the world, ombuds work to pursue fair treatment and protect people from maladministration. This…

Read more

Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner Offices Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

For a second year, the offices will close daily operations on September 30 to enable staff to commemorate the day with study, reflection and community activities dedicated to further both personal and collective reconciliation. “Acknowledging the traumatic intergenerational impact the residential school system had, and continues to have, on thousands of Indigenous children and their…

Read more

Health-Related Investigations Featured Prominently in Ombudsman’s Latest Annual Report

The 2021-22 report marks the 55th edition of its kind presented to Alberta’s Legislative Assembly. The number of requests for assistance and complaints about unfair treatment the office received increased slightly over year one of the pandemic with health-related matters remaining at the forefront. The Ombudsman’s investigation into the Out-of-Country Health Services field reinforced an…

Read more

Dealing Fairly with Unreasonable Conduct by Complainants

This is the third article in a series of articles Alberta Municipalities, Rural Municipalities of Alberta and the Alberta Ombudsman produced to provide an update, four years into the Ombudsman’s office handling complaints involving municipalities. Complaints have value, and when channeled effectively, offer municipalities the opportunity to improve operations, standards, and service delivery.  However, when…

Read more