Today is Ombuds Day, which occurs every year on the second Thursday in October. Ombuds Day shines a light on the history and practices of the ombuds profession, and this year’s theme is “Empowering Voices, Resolving Challenges.”
Also known as ombudsman, ombudspersons, ombudsmen, or ombuds, they are confidential, impartial, and independent experts in fairness. While each ombuds office has a different mandate, they all have one thing in common: they advocate for the principles of fairness and equity.
“Ombuds Day is an opportunity to increase awareness about our role in strengthening the public sector through independent, impartial investigations. My office continues to prioritize education and engagement efforts to ensure that Albertans know where to turn when they believe they’ve been treated unfairly by a public service.”
– Kevin Brezinski, Alberta Ombudsman
This Ombuds Day, we’re highlighting the key principles for ensuring effective ombudsman institutions, identified by our partner organization, the Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman (CCPO).
This past June, the CCPO formally endorsed the following foundational elements of the essential role of Ombudsman offices in upholding good governance, protecting individual rights, and reinforcing public trust in democratic institutions:
- Independence and Autonomy.
- Appointment and Security of Tenure.
- Mandate.
- Powers of Investigation.
- Transparency.
- Accountability.
- Interpretation.
Learn more about these principles at the CCPO site here.
The Alberta Ombudsman, established in 1967, was North America’s first Parliamentary Ombudsman office. Ever since, we have been Alberta’s voice of fairness by conducting impartial, independent investigations into complaints of administrative unfairness.
On this Ombuds Day, we celebrate the dedication of ombudsman in promoting fairness for all and empowering individuals to voice their concerns and resolve challenges.
