As BC’s independent voice for fairness, we work to make sure public sector organizations are treating people fairly and following the rules. We listen to and investigate complaints about local and provincial public sector organizations as well as investigate reports of serious wrongdoing in the provincial government.
Our work improves public services for all British Columbians.
Our services are free and confidential.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, walk-in service at our Victoria office is closed. Our services remain available, please contact us.
Are you a member of the public and believe you have been treated unfairly?
We offer tools and resources to staff at public sector organizations to help them strengthen the principles of fairness and accountability in the work they do. From offering workshops on fair service delivery to providing advice regarding whistleblower disclosures, we’re here to help.
Our in-depth investigations often result in widespread changes that affect many people from making policies and laws more fair and equitable to getting people money and services they’re entitled to.
BC has a new law that legally protects whistleblowers working for the provincial government. Our specialized team is here to support whistleblowers by providing advice and investigating allegations of wrongdoing and reprisal.
Ombudsperson investigations result in tangible outcomes. We investigated a decision made by a school district that required a new immigrant family to pay international student fees of $36,000 so their three children could attend public school in BC. We found the school district had not applied the Ministry of Education’s policy reasonably and this resulted in the children being eligible to attend school for free.
While work to establish the Office of the Indigenous Health Representative and Advocate is underway, Indigenous people wishing to share their experiences of racism and discrimination in health care may still do so.
Victoria – Ombudsperson Jay Chalke is calling on the province to amend its long-term care visits policy to address outstanding fairness concerns, and to ensure the policy is implemented consistently...
Ombudsperson investigation finds two pandemic emergency orders not authorized by Emergency Program Act
Two ministerial orders made during the COVID-19 pandemic by BC’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General went beyond the authority assigned to him…
