Victoria – Have you been treated unfairly by the provincial government, local government, or another BC public sector organization? The Office of the BC Ombudsperson may be able to help.
The office is currently scheduling in-person, confidential and free appointments with mobile complaints staff who will be visiting the northeast of the province the week beginning September 30th.
“Meeting with us face to face is a great way for you to raise your concerns about the fairness of government services you have received,” said Ombudsperson Jay Chalke adding that his office receives between 7,000 and 8,000 complaints a year from the public. “We hear a wide range of complaints from people experiencing lengthy delays getting service, individuals having trouble getting benefits they are entitled to or others who may feel decisions impacting them are unfair,” said Chalke.
The Ombudsperson has oversight over a broad spectrum of public sector bodies in the province including provincial government ministries, local governments, health authorities, schools and universities, Crown corporations such as ICBC, BC Hydro and agencies and boards such as the Workers’ Compensation Board. The office conducts free and confidential individual investigations, and also issues systemic reports on a range of issues.
“Our job is to listen to people who have concerns and if rules, processes and procedures are not being followed as they should be, we work to rectify that,” said Chalke adding the BC Ombudsperson is independent of government and has 40 years of investigative expertise.
The Ombudsperson’s mobile complaints team will be in Prince George September 30th, Mackenzie October 1st, Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd October 2nd, Dawson Creek October 3rd and Fort St. John October 4th. To book an in-person, free and confidential appointment call 1.800.567.3247.