BC Ombudsperson

The Ombudsperson (previously Ombudsman) is:

• An officer of the provincial legislature;
• Independent of government and political parties;
• Responsible for making sure that the administrative practices and services of public agencies are fair, reasonable, appropriate and equitable.

The Ombudsperson can:

• Provide information about what steps to take in dealing with a public agency;
• Try to settle complaints through consultation;
• Investigate complaints about administrative unfairness by a public agency;
• Make recommendations to a public agency to resolve and unfairness;
• Report to the provincial legislature and issue public reports.

The Ombudsperson has jurisdiction over a wide range of public agencies including:

• Provincial government ministries including complaints regarding Income Assistance and the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program
• Crown corporations such as Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) and BC Hydro
• Government Boards such as WorkSafeBC (WCB) and the BC Human Rights Tribunal
• Hospitals, Regional Health Authorities and health related government agencies such as the Medical Services Plan and Pharmacare
• Schools and School Districts, Universities and Colleges
• Municipal and Regional government
• Self-regulating professions such as the Law Society, the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Registered Nurses Association of BC

For more information about jurisdiction and about the Complaints process, see the website or contact the Office.

Please inquire about Covid 19 protocols.