Statutory responsibilities under the Civil Service Act

In 1994, the Civil Service Commission was amalgamated with the Office of the Ombudsman. Pursuant to the Civil Service Act, the Ombudsman is responsible to hear appeals and investigate complaints regarding the selections for appointment in the Civil Service.

The Civil Service Act gives the Ombudsman certain powers and duties for the purpose of protecting the merit principle as the basis for effecting appointments to or from within the Civil Service. Specifically, the Act provides for the Ombudsman to:

• hear appeals from employees relating to appointment decisions
• investigate complaints from non-employees who have been unsuccessful candidates in open competitions.

Appeals and complaints may be filed in respect to appointment decisions made by all departments and agencies which comprise the Civil Service of the Province of New Brunswick. The Act requires the Office to hear and decide on appeals within specific time periods.