Yukon Ombudsman
What is the Yukon Ombudsman?
The Ombudsman is an impartial investigator who takes complaints of unfairness in public services. The Ombudsman is an Officer of the Legislative Assembly but is independent of government and political parties. The Ombudsman is neither an advocate for a complainant nor a defender of the authority's actions.
What we do
Ombudsman Act
The Yukon Ombudsman Act came into effect July 1, 1996. It contains provisions for the appointment of the Ombudsman, guidelines for the complaint process and authority for the Ombudsman to investigate and make recommendations.
The mission of the Yukon Ombudsman is to provide an independent, impartial means by which public complaints concerning the public organizations can be heard and investigated with the goal of promoting fairness, openness and accountability in public administration.
Every day public organizations make decisions that affect people's lives. If you believe that a decision or process is unfair, you may complain to our office. Through an investigation of your complaint, the Ombudsman can independently and impartially look at the matter to identify whether or not you have been treated fairly. The Ombudsman works to effect change if there has been an unfairness. This will benefit you and others in a similar situation, as well as the public organizations and citizens of the Yukon generally.
Our services are free and confidential.
Our flow chart demonstrates what happens when someone brings a complaint to the Ombudsman.
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 public organizations, like Yukon government. 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.
Contact Us
We're here to help!
3162 Third Avenue, Main Floor
(corner of Third Avenue & Alexander Street)
Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 1G3
With the continued presence of COVID-19 in our community, our office continues to encourage the wearing of masks by all visitors to our office. If you do not have a mask, our office can provide you with a disposable one.
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To submit a complaint or a request for review (access request) form:
Phone: 867-667-8468
Toll free in the Yukon:
1-800-661-0408 (ext. 8468)
Email*: intake@yukonombudsman.ca
For media inquiries:
Phone:867-332-4555
Email*: communications@yukonombudsman.ca