Investigations and Submissions

This investigative report concluded that the Department of Environment’s lack of enforcement due to insufficient tracking of site saving is unfair and made six recommendations that were fully accepted by the Department in their letter of response.

This Ombudsman report arises from three complaints concerning the Human Rights Commission’s investigative and settlement processes as outlined in our investigative report.

Investigation Report to the Department of Education, September 7, 2023

In October 2021, the Ombudsman received a complaint that a delay by the Department of Education in informing the parents of students at Hidden Valley Elementary School about allegations of sexualized abuse of a student by a staff member was unfair because they had no critical opportunity to talk to their children and provide or seek any necessary supports in a timely
manner. The complainant also believed that the delay resulted in other alleged child victims not receiving the supports they needed in a timely manner. This report finds that the complaint is substantiated. However, it makes no recommendations because any forthcoming will depend on the findings of the second Ombudsman report on this matter, to be issued later in the fall of 2023.

The Department of Education has responded to this report by letter, saying that it has no comments or representations to make. The department indicated that it has already acknowledged that mistakes were made in the response to the situation at the school, and it looks forward to receiving the Ombudsman's second report on this matter and reviewing any recommendations in regard to implementation of the Safer Schools Action Plan.

Investigation Report to the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, May 8, 2023

The Office of the Ombudsman found unfairness in the Department of Energy Mines and Resources’ lot enlargement policy after investigating a complaint from a Yukoner. The Ombudsman made four recommendations, which were accepted by the authority.

December 6, 2010

The Yukon Bureau of Statistics (YBS) and Department of Health and Social Services, Insured Health and Hearing Services (the Department) have for many years conducted a joint survey of health care insurance recipients. In the spring of 2010, the YBS mailed out a survey to 5113 Yukoners. The recipients were asked to complete the survey form and return it to the YBS. Both the cover letter and the survey form titled “Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan Update” contained a statement in large bold letters that “IF YOU DO NOT SIGN AND RETURN THIS CARD YOUR HEALTH CARE COULD BE CANCELLED.

The Yukon Ombudsman was contacted by several complainants who questioned the connection between completing the survey form and cancellation of their health care insurance coverage.

The Ombudsman reviewed that matter and decided to investigate. The investigation considered the law authorizing surveys and the connection between the survey and cancellation of health care insurance coverage. 

April 10, 2024

The Yukon Ombudsman has issued a special report requesting amendments to the Ombudsman Act that provide the same authority found in the majority of Canadian jurisdictions and align it with international best practices.

September 24, 2010

As Ombudsman, I welcome the opportunity to make submissions to the Members' Services Board and recommend the following amendments to the Ombudsman Act.

The amendments proposed here will improve the Ombudsman Act by enhancing the operations of the Office of the Ombudsman overall while supporting the ability of the Ombudsman to pursue the mandate to its fullest and to better serve the interests of the people of Yukon.

I have identified issues for this submissions that are evident through;

• the operations of the Office of the Ombudsman;
• working daily with the Yukon legislation;
• an examiniation of the Ombudsman experience in other jurisdictions; and
• a comparison of legislation across jurisdictions.

See the report for full details.

Tracy-Anne McPhee, Ombudsman

December 23, 2008

This submission is in response to the Discussion Paper from the Department of Health and Social Services regarding the proposed Child and Youth Advocate Act. The discussion paper seeks feedbackon the "made in Yukon model" proposed for a Child and Youth Advocate.

Tracy-Anne McPhee, Ombudsman

May 2, 2008

In my capacity as Ombudsman for the Yukon Territory, I am writing to provide input into the discussion regarding changes to the Corrections Act. The function of the Ombudsman, as it relates to Community and Correctional Services and Whitehorse Correctional Centre is to investigate and bring to resolution individual complaints. My office has responsibility to review and make recommendations on policies and procedures associated with individual complaints to ensure that systemic areas of conern are properly identified and addressed.

Tracy-Anne McPhee, Ombudsman

April 16, 2008

I write to advise you of a number of concerns I have regarding Bill 50, the Child and Family Servicse Act, and the implications for the protection of privacy and access to information contained in that porposed legislation. As Bill 50 is currently being considered and debated in teh Legislative Assembly, I ask that you distribute this correspondence to all Members of the House, in order that they are made aware of my concerns as soon as possible.

Tracy-Anne McPhee, Ombudsman