BC Ombudsperson

@bcombuds.bsky.social

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We impartially investigate to make sure BC provincial and local public sector organizations are treating people fairly. https://bcombudsperson.ca/

A screen showing a text message exchange. The first message says, “Ugh! That public office was so unfair with me! I couldn't even appeal their decision.” The response says, “You should try the BC Ombudsperson!” The original sender replies, “I don't know. Would they listen to someone like me?” The respondent says, “Oh for sure. Anyone can complain to Ombuds.” The original sender says, “Even if I can't pay?” The respondent says, “It's free!” The sender then replies with “OMG.”
White text on a blue background reads "Preventing unfairness before it happens: Resources for public organizations. Visit our website to learn about workshops, guides, fact sheets, and consultation services: bcombudsperson.ca/fairness-education-resources." A graphic of multicoloured paper planes is also shown.
Black text on an off-white background defines “impartiality” (noun) by stating that it “requires that public servants not be influenced by personal interest or bias, and that they maintain an open mind, hearing all perspectives and weighing the evidence objectively.”
A graphic titled "A crisis in the making” describes a complaint against the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Text appears over an image of a grocery receipt. It reads, "Abi was unhoused and experiencing food insecurity, but MSDPR decided to hold her income assistance cheque until she was able to provide BCeID. Abi had an appointment for her BCeID in four days, but the delay would leave Abi without money for food. We proposed that MSDPR provide Abi with emergency funds until her BCeID appointment and release of her cheque. MSDPR agreed with our proposal and issued Abi a crisis supplement."
A meme using the “Are you wearing the Chanel boots?” template from the 2006 movie, “The Devil Wears Prada.” In the top image, a baffled Emily begins to ask, “Are you using the—” and in the bottom image, Andrea cuts her off to answer confidently, “BC Ombudsperson’s fairness self-assessment? Yeah. I am.”
Black text on an off-white background defines “reprisal” (noun) by stating that it is “an act of retaliation against an employee because they sought advice about wrongdoing, reported wrongdoing, or cooperated with an investigation, which negatively impacts their employment or working conditions.”
Text promoting the establishment of a National Indigenous & Human Rights Ombudsperson, highlighting the support from Canadian ombuds offices to enhance justice for Indigenous People, and noting further details can be found via the BC Ombudsperson website.
A photo of a smartphone with a generic AI assistant on the screen, overlaid with the text, “Can I use AI tools to help write my complaint?”
Celebrating 47 years of BC Ombuds
Announcement informs that the office is closed on Wednesday, July 1, with a suggestion to use the online form for complaints.
A graphic titled "The building blocks of fairness" describes a complaint against Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Text appears over an image of a mined rock formation. It reads, "Raj applied to be a professional engineer but was rejected because he needed 12 months of Canadian work experience. After gaining that experience, Raj re-applied but was rejected again. Raj was concerned EGBC had not properly considered his new experience and did not clearly explain why his applications were rejected. After we investigated, EGBC agreed to provide Raj with a more detailed explanation. During the investigation, EGBC also approved Raj’s application."
A graphic promoting our complaint service to youth featuring side-by-side text comparisons between a millennial comms team and a Gen Z social media team. The millennial team is saying “If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by a provincial or a local public sector organization and have been unable to resole the issue, you can come to us with a complaint about the administration of programs or services.” The Gen Z team is saying “public body acting sus? rules not ruling? hit us up. fairness accountability no cap.”
Black text on an off-white background defines “accountability” (noun) by stating, “Accountability requires that appropriate action be taken when an organization has made an error, acted unfairly or wrongly, or identified a structural problem.”
A quote from former BC Ombudsman Howard Kushner states, “When a person feels mistreated, having someone apologize for what took place often enables the person to forgive, to re-establish the relationship and move forward.”
Text on top of an Indigenous version of the BC Ombudsperson logo reads: Services for Indigenous People. A quote beneath that states, “By addressing complaints in a culturally sensitive way, we strive to contribute to the healing and reconciliation process.”
Our "Complaint Checker" is shown on a tablet screen, overlaid with a stamp indicating the tool has been updated. The text surrounding it reads: Some organizations in BC aren’t ones we oversee. So how do you know which is which, and where to go to raise concerns? Our online Complaint Checker tool is here to help.
Considering a complaint to the BC Ombudsperson? (1.) Try to resolve your issue directly with the organization. (2.) Make sure we’re the right people to help you. (3). Have information and documents ready. (4.) Make your complaint. Learn more: bcombudsperson.ca/complaints
Black text on an off-white background defines “Administrative fairness” (noun) as policy, processes, and laws must be followed; decisions must be fair and transparent; and reasons for decisions must be explained.
A graphic titled "A route to unfairness" describes a complaint against School District 27 in Cariboo-Chilcotin. Text appears over an image of children running toward a school bus. It reads, "School District 27 stopped providing bus service in certain areas, leaving many families without a way to get their children to school safely. Families told us they were not given the opportunity to provide input or appeal the decision. Following our investigation, the district accepted responsibility for its communication gaps and held a public consultation. Ultimately, the school district reinstated several bus stops in response to concerns."
Black text on an off-white background defines “Ombudsperson” (noun) by stating the BC Ombudsperson’s role is to make sure public organizations treat people fairly and follow the rules.
Infographic: How does our process work? (1.) Complaint is filed: We receive your complaint about possible administrative unfairness involving a BC public organization. (2.) First look: We review the complaint without taking sides. If we may be able to help, we review further. (3.) Further review: If we investigate, we will ask you and the public organization for more details. We may close the file if our office can't help. (4.) Possible outcomes: We may or may not find unfairness. If we do,we will suggest ways to resolve the issue. Visit bcombudsperson.ca/how-we-help for more information
If implemented, these changes will expand coverage so more employees are covered, make it safer for people to speak up, and build trust across the public sector.
image of person opening an empty mail box
The five-year review is an opportunity to strengthen BC’s public sector whistleblowing law – and it supports “speak up” workplace cultures. BC’s Ombudsperson Jay Chalke
PIDA 5-year review: At a glance - expand coverage to more public bodies - strengthen protections for whistleblowers - improve oversight and transparency - build trust in reporting
A silver metal whistle hanging from a white rope in front of a light blue background.
A dark blue background with white text that reads: Ombuds institutions across Canada must remain robust, impartial, and accessible to all. Effective oversight is essential to a healthy democracy.
A dark blue background with a quote from BC Ombudsperson Jay Chalke that reads, "The province committed to ensuring that all affected individuals receive fair compensation, and so far, we have not seen a full plan or timeline for when that will happen."
The government made a promise to these survivors and their families, and that promise is only partly fulfilled.