Victoria – B.C. Ombudsperson Kim Carter released her annual report today, showcasing investigations concluded with provincial public authorities in 2014/15. The report highlights public complaints in sectors ranging from local government to large provincial ministries.

“Each year, our annual report shows the kind of help we provide all British Columbians, including the most vulnerable people in society,” says Carter. “In light of our 20-year anniversary of municipal oversight, this year’s report also features additional examples of our work resolving problems at the municipal level.”

In 1995, the Office of the Ombudsperson had its wide-ranging provincial jurisdiction expanded to include oversight of administrative fairness in all municipalities, regional districts, and the Islands’ Trust.

Local government investigations featured in the annual report include a Prince George neighbourhood group that bought a duelling newspaper ad for a public city meeting, a northern dog-owner who found his pet mistreated at the local shelter and a Vancouver senior who struggled with fallout from a building inspection that occurred 36 years after her renovation. The report also highlights investigations into provincial ministries, Crown corporations, commissions, boards and health authorities.

The B.C. Ombudsperson’s mandate to ensure public administration in B.C. is fair, transparent and accountable was celebrated in 2014/15 by the province, which declared November 24-28  2014 Fairness Week.