The Alberta Ombudsman acts as a public defender against unfair treatment within the public sector. It provides a platform for individuals to voice their complaints and concerns with the promise of objectivity and fairness. The Ombudsman's office has a straightforward approach towards investigating public sector entities.
The Alberta Ombudsman investigates multiple areas of the public sector including provincial government, municipalities, patient concerns, self-regulated health professions, and other designated professional authorities. Providing a structured complaints process, the Ombudsman encourages complainants to file and formalize their grievances. This process includes steps for filing a written or online complaint, along with a comprehensive outline of the resolution process.
The Ombudsman showcases transparency and accountability through their commitment to public disclosure. Their financial reports, including travel and hosting expenses, compensation, and employment opportunities, are freely accessible to the public. This openness about their operations provides a commendable level of trust and credibility.
The Alberta Ombudsman's office is rich with resources aimed at promoting administrative fairness. They provide guidance through their administrative fairness guidelines and educational materials. The office has also formulated fundamentals of a complaints mechanism and an internal complaint mechanism checklist to help understand the process better. Their collection of resources also includes 'Elements of a Good Decision' and 'Fairness by Design' to educate the public on what constitutes a fair decision and how to achieve it.
Furthermore, the Alberta Ombudsman has made an effort to adapt to modern communication methods by providing links to podcasts, promotional materials, and other external resources, enhancing accessibility.
In conclusion, the Alberta Ombudsman serves as an instrument of fairness in the public sector. Their procedures are organized, transparent, and user-friendly, which facilitates a straightforward process for raising and resolving complaints. Their resources are well-developed and aim to foster an environment of fairness and accessibility, reinforcing their role as a leading advocate for justice and fair treatment.
