Alberta Correctional Health Services Investigated Following Whistleblower Complaint

The Alberta Public Interest Commissioner concludes an investigation into allegations of medical mistreatment of seven individuals incarcerated in a provincial correctional centre. The identity and confidentiality of public sector employees wishing to report wrongdoing remains protected under Alberta’s Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act. A whistleblower, concerned for the health and safety of individuals incarcerated…

Kevin Brezinski Takes the Helm as Alberta’s New Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner

A swearing-in ceremony for the leader of two independent offices of the Alberta Legislative Assembly took place today. Kevin Brezinski is Alberta’s tenth Ombudsman and third Public Interest Commissioner, accepting a five-year appointment to the dual roles. As an independent Officer of the Legislative Assembly, Brezinski will lead investigative operations for both offices. “Hearing I…

Public Interest Commissioner Releases 2021-22 Annual Report

The office’s ninth annual report was tabled before the Legislative Assembly today. New this year, the 2021-22 annual report features articles including one titled Explaining “Reprisal”. Here, we provide a summary of the office’s experience and perspective on handling complaints of reprisal since our office opened in 2013. Another article, Risks of Conflating Whistleblower Procedures…

Collaboration Across Borders

The Alberta Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner’s offices welcomed distinguished guests from Nigeria this week. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, is a special committee of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with powers of oversight functions and mandate to consider all petitions from Nigerians, both public and private. The…

Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner Offices Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

For a second year, the offices will close daily operations on September 30 to enable staff to commemorate the day with study, reflection and community activities dedicated to further both personal and collective reconciliation. “Acknowledging the traumatic intergenerational impact the residential school system had, and continues to have, on thousands of Indigenous children and their…