Ombuds (also known as ombudsmen) and advocate offices investigate and mediate complaints, often for governments and industries. Advocates and ombuds generally deal more with issues of fairness, as opposed to issues that are strictly related to human rights. Sometimes, however, these issues overlap and an ombuds service or advocate’s office can be of assistance. Below are some examples of ombuds and advocates.
Alberta Ombudsman
The Alberta Ombudsman is an independent part of the Alberta government that reports directly to the Alberta Legislative Assembly. The office of the ombudsman investigates complaints from people who feel they have been treated unfairly by an Alberta government department or some professional organizations. If the office of the ombudsman finds there is problem with administrative fairness it makes recommendations to resolve the problem and improve the process. For more information see: www.ombudsman.ab.ca.
Taxpayers’ Ombudsman
The Canadian government has appointed a taxpayers’ ombudsman to address service-related concerns people have with the Canada Revenue Agency. For more information see: www.taxpayersrights.gc.ca.
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime
The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime was created to ensure the federal government meets its responsibilities to victims of crime. For more information see: www.victimsfirst.gc.ca.
Farmers’ Advocate Office
The Farmers’ Advocate Office is a government office that ensures farmers have consumer protection and fair processes. For more information see: www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/ofa2621.
Alberta Mental Health Patient Advocate Office
The Mental Health Patient Advocate provides information to, and investigates the complaint of, involuntary mental health patients who are detained at mental health facilities. For more information see: www.mhpa.ab.ca.
Canadian Life and Health Insurance OmbudService
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance OmbudService assists people with concerns and complaints about life and health insurance providers. The service provides information, helps find lost policies, and can help resolve disputes between people and their insurance companies. For more information see: www.clhio.ca.
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