We released our report on the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction’s delivery of social assistance cheques during the 2024 postal strike. While pre-strike planning was limited, once the strike began, the ministry’s response was reasonable. 🔗Read the report tinyurl.com/58me6y2y

The Legislative Assembly has appointed British Columbia’s next Ombudsperson. Sandy Hermiston will begin her term on January 31. Read the Legislature’s announcement: www.leg.bc.ca/committee-co...

When something about a public service doesn’t feel fair, people often turn to our office for help. Our 2024/25 Annual Report is now live. It shares what we heard – and how fairness in public services still makes a real difference in people’s lives. 🔗https://bcombudsperson.ca/news_release/

Our office is closed today, but you can still make a complaint.

Port Hardy, have you been treated unfairly by a local or provincial public body in BC? We may be able to help. We'll be visiting Port Hardy next Tues, Nov 4 to hear your complaints about unfair public services. To book your free, confidential appointment, call 1-800-567-3247.

The deadline to have your say on our draft Open Meetings Guide is approaching. Local governments must follow the rules for meetings. Submit your feedback by Oct 31 at [email protected] Read it: bcombudsperson.ca/guide/open-m...

Have you been treated unfairly by a public body in BC? The Office of the BC Ombudsperson may be able to help. We'll be in North & Central Vancouver Island Nov 4-7. Call 1- 800- 567- 3247 to book your free, confidential appointment.

Today is #OmbudsDay, a global reminder of the role ombuds play in promoting fairness and accountability in public services. Have a complaint about the fairness of a provincial or local public body in BC? Learn more about how we can help: bcombudsperson.ca #OmbudsDay2025

Due to the ongoing public sector and Canada Post strikes we are unable to send or receive mail, but you can still contact our office by: 💻 Using our online complaint form: bcombudsperson.ca/online-compl... ☎️ Calling us at 1-800-567-3247 🏢 Visiting us at 947 Fort St., Victoria, BC

We’ve released a consultation draft of our new Open Meetings Guide – a resource to help local governments, staff, and the public understand the rules about public meetings in BC. Feedback deadline: Oct 31, 2025 bcombudsperson.ca/guide/open-m...

Every 5yrs, the Public Interest Disclosure Act – BC’s public sector workplace whistleblowing law – must be reviewed. Today, the Ombudsperson has provided recommendations to expand coverage of the law, strengthen whistleblower protection & enhance oversight bcombudsperson.ca/news_release...

BC's Public Interest Disclosure Act, the province's whistleblower legislation, is undergoing a 5-year review. A parliamentary committee of the Legislature is looking for input on this public interest disclosure process. Have your say - input due by Aug 1 consultation-portal.leg.bc.ca/consultations

Today, Canada’s Parliamentary Ombuds offices released shared principles to protect independent oversight and ensure fair treatment in public services. Read the principles: bcombudsperson.ca/news_release...

New report: Some people who lost jobs during COVID-19 received a one-time $1000 emergency benefit only to be told to pay it back years later. BC unjustly made them ineligible because it didn’t realize how pandemic relief applications were being treated by the feds. bcombudsperson.ca/news_release...

We don’t just step in when things go wrong. Through proactive training and consultations, we help public sector staff deliver fair, respectful service from the start — building a stronger culture of fairness across BC. More information: bcombudsperson.ca/fairness-edu...

Ombudsperson Jay Chalke is urging the province to ensure stronger ethics/integrity oversight in local government, free from political interference. “BC deserves local governments that are transparent, accountable and governed by clear ethical standards.” bcombudsperson.ca/news_release...

BC Ombudsperson Jay Chalke is calling on the province to introduce legislation for independent, enforceable ethics and integrity oversight in local government. Recent events show why optional local codes of conduct aren’t enough. Read more: bcombudsperson.ca/news_release...

One year after the Premier’s apology, survivors of the wrongful detention of Doukhobor children are still waiting for the compensation they were promised. The BC government’s inaction undermines justice. Survivors deserve clear answers—now. Read more bcombudsperson.ca/news_release...