GOVERNANCE

Commitment 5.3.11 – We will develop legislation within two years to establish an independent parliamentary office of the ombudsman.

An Ombudsperson/Ombudsman investigates and reports on whether government agencies have followed fair policies and procedures. An Ombudsperson/Ombudsman does not overturn government decisions and is not an advocate.  

All provinces and territories, with the exception of Prince Edward Island, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories (NWT), have an independent parliamentary office of an Ombudsperson/Ombudsman.

In June 2014, the Standing Committee on Government Operations tabled a report outlining options for an Ombudsman for the NWT.  In summer 2016, Caucus (all Members of the Legislative Assembly) discussed a plan to establish an office of the Ombudsman.

The Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs is working with the Department of Justice and the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly to develop Ombudsperson/Ombudsman legislation during the life of the 18th Assembly.  Steps to establish an Ombudsperson/Ombudsman in the NWT include exploring options for potential structures and shared services to limit costs and increase capacity (Milestone 1), developing a legislative proposal (Milestone 2), and introducing a Bill to establish an office of an Ombudsperson/Ombudsman (Milestone 3).

Related Mandate Commitments

• Commitment 5.3.5 – We will establish an Open Government Policy to enhance civic participation, increase the availability and accessibility of information about government activities, and explore new technologies for openness and accountability.
• Commitment 5.3.9 – We will develop and implement an effective communications plan to make residents aware of the mechanisms available to appeal government decisions.

For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs.