Yukon Ombudsman
Resources for the public
Court Decisions
This court decision was rendered on May 30, 2023 by Supreme Court of Yukon Justice E.M. Campbell in regard to an investigation involving the Government of Yukon, the Department of Health and Social Services, specifically the Family and Children's Services Branch (FCS). In the course of the investigation, issues arose regarding the Ombudsman's power to compel full disclosure of information and documents from FCS. The Ombudsman petitioned the Court and sought three declarations related to its jurisdiction to investigate matters under the Ombudsman Act. The Government of Yukon, the Department of Health and Social services and FCS opposed the petition.
On April 11, 2022, the Justice opined that the Human Rights Commission is under the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.
Information Sheets, Reports, Guidance
Want to know more about the Yukon Ombudsman? What does the Office of the Ombudsman do? How do you make a complaint? How do our investigations work?
This document, developed in November 2021, was created to answer those questions, and more. It also provides contact information, if you have more questions.
This special report was developed by the Offices of the Yukon Ombudsman and Privacy Commissioner, together with the BC Ombudsperson and the BC Privacy Commissioner. Released on June 17, 2021, it highlights fairness and privacy concerns related to the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector and makes recommendations for steps governments should take to use AI in a responsible manner.
This infographic summarizes key points of the special joint report on use of artificial intelligence in the public sector, Getting Ahead of the Curve: Meeting the Challenges to Privacy and Fairness Arising from the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector.
A misunderstanding or difference of opinion can often be resolved by taking the time to talk and listen to the other side. The Office of the Ombudsman has put together some resources to assist communicating effectively.
This document provides suggestions that were generated by participants of the "How to Complain Effectively" workshops, part of Ombudsman Ontario's Community Education Program.
This document provides some ideas to consider that may help avoid problems or resolve complaints before you call for help from a third party such as the Ombudsman.
Useful Links
Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman
The Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman (CCPO) is a council comprised of independent provincial and territorial Ombudsman whose mandate it is to ensure people are being treated fairly in the delivery of public services.
Forum of Canadian Ombudsman
The Forum of Canadian Ombudsman (FCO) provides a network for ombudsman offices from all sectors and of all types – as well as people simply interested in ombudsman issues – to meet and to exchange information.
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.