Victoria – B.C.’s new Ombudsperson, Jay Chalke, began his term this week, leading the independent provincial oversight body responsible for receiving and investigating complaints about the administrative actions of provincial public authorities.

“The Office of the Ombudsperson delivers a vital service to British Columbians,” says Chalke. “Each year our office investigates over 1,600 individual public complaints about provincial public authorities. Every investigation is a potential opportunity to achieve a fair resolution and enhance openness, transparency, accountability – improving the delivery of provincial services for everyone.”

In addition to the over 1,600 complaints that are investigated, nearly 5,000 are resolved or otherwise addressed at the intake or early resolution stage. The Office of the Ombudsperson carries out investigations into the actions of ministries, Crown corporations, commissions and boards, local governments and other public agencies. Additionally, the office conducts systemic investigations into problems that may be more widespread.

“Independently protecting administrative fairness for the people of B.C. is critically important,” says Chalke. “As I begin my six-year mandate I look forward to working with our established team to serve all British Columbians, including those who have been unfairly treated, are vulnerable, or face a disadvantage in their relationship with public organizations.”

Chalke was appointed on May 26, 2015 by an all-party committee of the Legislative Assembly, which unanimously recommended his appointment pursuant to the Ombudsperson Act. He is taking over from outgoing Ombudsperson Kim Carter who was first appointed in 2006 and announced her departure earlier this year.