Promoting Fairness for British Columbians
Promoting Fairness for British Columbians
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The Ombudsman, Howard Kushner, discusses the role of the Office of the Ombudsman. Information is provided on the types of complaints that the Ombudsman can investigate and the investigation process.
Forest Renewal BC (FRBC) initiated the Forest Worker Transition Program (FWTP) in September 1996 to fund services that would enable displaced forest workers to develop the skills necessary to find new jobs. The program provided participants with the income and training supports, both of which turned out to be taxable. The Office of the Ombudsman received a significant number of complaints alleging that FRBC either advised participants that the funding was not taxable, or failed to properly inform participants of the possible tax implications. The Ombudsman's investigation resulted in substantial findings of unfairness against FRBC.
A woman complained that the bridge maintenance work was resulting in bridge closure during times when she required access to return home from her place of employment. Although the bridge remained open to pedestrian traffic, the closure required that the woman vacate her vehicle on one side of the bridge, walk across the bridge and then walk a considerable distance to her home late at night. The Ombudsman's Office was contacted to resolve the matter.
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