We are agents of positive change.
Ombud NB serves as a path towards a public sector where people are treated fairly, where information is shared appropriately, and where the public service is protected from favoritism and wrongdoing.
Administrative Fairness
Ombud NB receives and investigates complaints from individuals who have had difficulty or feel they have been treated unfairly in their interactions with public authorities. The Ombud’s role is to ensure fairness in administrative processes and policies.
Information and Privacy
Ombud NB receives and investigates complaints from individuals who are not satisfied with how a public body or health care provider responded to certain types of requests for information, or if they think a public body or health care provider breached their privacy by mishandling their personal information and/or personal health information. Ombud NB also receives self-reported privacy breaches made by public bodies, as well as reviews other types of requests made by public bodies to the Ombud.
Ombud NB is also responsible for reviewing whether someone should be granted access to certain public records held in the Provincial Archives.
Wrongdoing
Ombud NB has the authority to investigate complaints from current employees of the public service respecting matters that are potentially unlawful, dangerous to the public or injurious to the public interest. This is commonly referred to as whistleblower complaints.
Favouritism
Ombud NB may investigate allegations of favouritism made by unsuccessful candidates in the hiring process for appointments to the civil service.
We help find solutions
Ombud NB assists people and public sector organizations resolve their disagreements by conducting impartial investigations, making recommendations and providing guidance to ensure people are treated in a consistent, fair and reasonable manner and that their rights to information and privacy are protected.
Make a complaint
For more information on how to make a complaint or for access to the complaint forms, please click the button below.
Reports and Resources
Annual Report 2022-2023
Read about the work of the Office of the Ombud in 2022-2023. The report includes examples of case summaries and statistical information on complaints received during the year.
Fairness by Design: An Administrative Fairness Assessment Guide
This guide is an assessment tool that can be used by public organizations to ensure they have fair decision-making processes and are fair in the design and delivery of their programs.
Social Smarts: Nothing Personal!
This graphic novel and discussion guide were developed to help young Canadians to better understand and navigate privacy issues in the online world.