North Shore residents wanting to voice their questions and concerns about government and other organizations will have the chance to present their complaints in person.
The B.C. Ombudsperson Office has organized the Ombudsperson Office for the Day in North Vancouver on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
The staff is also setting up locations in Vancouver, Oct. 17 and Burnaby, Oct. 18.
Last year, B.C.’s Ombudsperson Office responded to almost 7,500 inquiries and complaints and completed around 1,900 early resolutions or investigations.
“We’re here to serve the entire province, if people have not been successful in resolving their problems with the public agency and still feel they have not been treated fairly and reasonably, they can come to us,” said ombudsperson Kim Carter. “While the majority of complaints are by telephone, mail or online, some people are more comfortable meeting face-to-face, and I feel it’s important that this opportunity is available to people throughout the province.”
The ombudsperson is an independent officer of the legislature and their mandate is to impartially investigate complaints to ensure that provincial and local public agencies treat the people they serve fairly and reasonably.
Complaints can cover all provincial ministries and boards, Crown corporations and colleges and universities, schools and boards of education, health authorities, local governments and self-governing professions.
The office also provides free, confidential and professional interpretation services in more than 180 languages.
The ombudsperson will speak privately to public agencies that fall under her jurisdiction and with community groups, while staff will meet with individuals.
Appointments need to be booked ahead of time by calling 1-800-567-3247.
