Alberta Ombudsman: Ensuring Fair & Equitable Treatment for All
Every Alberta citizen has the right to complain to the Ombudsman if they believe they were treated unfairly when attempting to access a public service. Whether it is a disagreement stemming from an important decision or a delay in service, the Ombudsman’s office considers each issue and works to overcome roadblocks towards a fair solution. The person directly affected must file the complaint, but they can be assisted by a guardian or advocate.
The number of agencies and services within the Ombudsman’s authority is extensive. To explore the possibilities, people may wish to visit the Ombudsman website or phone and talk to an investigator. Through the normal work week callers are put through to intake right away, but if the lines are busy a callback will be received within one business day.
Before the Ombudsman can investigate, a complainant must first complete the complaint process with the agency that has denied the service. Advice on how to find these review processes can also be obtained from an Ombudsman’s investigator.
Complaints can be registered in a variety of ways, including an online complaint form, email and regular mail. Feeling stuck or uncertain where to begin? Visit this link for a short video about how to get in contact with the Ombudsman’s office.
Agencies and programs within the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction that might offer services to the people Inclusion Alberta serves are: Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD); Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support; Aids to Daily Living; Student Finance Board;Alberta Human Rights Commission; Workers Compensation Board; and the Patient Concerns Resolution Process of Alberta Health Services.
For more about the Ombudsman’s office, please visit their website at www.ombudsman.ab.ca or call toll free at 1-888-455-2756.