B.C. Ombudsperson Kim Carter is coming to Chilliwack, as part of an ongoing effort to bring the Office of the Ombudsperson to a range of B.C. communities.
She’ll be addressing the role of the Ombudsperson office in a modern, democratic society as well her recent reports on seniors’ care in the province, adult guardianship and open meetings.
“We’re here to serve the entire province, and I want people to know they can come to us if they believe a public agency has not dealt with them fairly,” said Carter.
Last year, the office opened more than 2,000 files from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland that involved authorities such as Translink, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, BC Hydro and the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles.
The Ombudsperson’s Office can investigate complaints about provincial ministries and crown corporations, colleges and universities, schools and boards of education, health authorities, local governments and self-governing professions. While the Ombudsperson is in Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, investigators will also be meeting in person with individuals who have a complaint about a provincial or local government agency. However, due to demand, appointments to make a complaint while the office is in each community need to be booked ahead of time by calling 1-800-567-3247.
The B.C. Ombudsperson and staff be meeting with community groups and agencies in Chilliwack on March 5, Abbotsford on March 4, and Surrey on March 7.
For more details,
www.bcombudsperson.ca
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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