Yukon Ombudsman Yukon Information and Privacy Commissioner Yukon Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner

Yukon Ombudsman

Sample Recommendations

Every year when investigations are completed, the Yukon Ombudsman makes a variety of recommendations to various departments. In order to demonstrate the nature and scope of recommendations that typically come from this office, here is a sample list, taken from a number of different cases:

  • Provide meaningful reasons for decisions. Reasons should include sufficient information so the person affected knows the facts considered and the specific legislation, policy or directives relied upon in making the decision.
  • When advising someone of a decision, include information about any right of review or appeal of that decision.
  • Provide debtors with regular and accurate updates of the status of their loans, including the name and phone number of an employee who can answer any questions or concerns.
  • Develop a comprehensive written policy, setting out the criteria and process for determining when rural residential land applications will be grouped together for a decision.
  • When relying on policy in making a decision, ensure that those policies are available to the public.
  • Develop materials and provide training to ensure that members of the public receive consistent information about the land application process.
  • Develop policy setting out the criteria and process for the selection of a high school class valedictorian.
  • Develop strategies for ensuring that all property owners involved in a Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Program (RETP) project are provided with timely and sufficient information about the route and cost of the project, before they are required to vote on it.
  • Ensure that property owners receive a map showing the power line route in relation to all properties included in a Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Program (RETP) project area.
  • Cover the cost of extending the primary power line to the lot line of a property owner who was treated unfairly.
  • Develop a protocol to ensure that capable non-insured persons are fully aware of costs and their personal liability before agreeing to a medical evacuation.
  • Provide an apology to a complainant who was treated unfairly.

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Relevant FAQs

Do all complaints get investigated?

Not necessarily. Each complaint is unique and we try to choose the most appropriate way to deal with it. Sometimes that means an investigation. Other times, we may use mediation or negotiation. Whenever possible, we contact the government office to see if an early resolution can be achieved.

What is an Ombudsman?

The term Ombudsman comes from the Swedish language, meaning “protector of the people”. There is no clearer or simpler way to express the core goal of this office. Our mission is to provide an independent means by which public complaints concerning the Yukon government can be heard and investigated. Our job is to promote fairness, and help improve government services.

What does the Yukon Ombudsman do?

The Ombudsman is an impartial investigator who takes complaints regarding Yukon government services. The Ombudsman can independently and impartially look at a matter to see whether or not you have been treated fairly. If the Ombudsman finds that you have been treated unfairly, she can make recommendations to address the unfairness. Independent review of individual complaints can work to improve government administration. We also work to educate the public and government about fairness in administration and the role of our office.

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