The Annual Report of the Office of the Ombudsman for 2019-2020 reflects normal pre-pandemic operations, but also includes achievements and case examples, says Ombudsman William Smith.
Update on Service Delivery:
While the Office of the Ombudsman remained open during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a limited number of in-person services were suspended in keeping with Public Health guidelines.
On June 12, 2019, while in the process of preparing this report, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal delivered a compelling decision concerning a question of jurisdiction and access to records involving this Office.
The Office of the Ombudsman was contacted by an individual who was the object of small claims court application. The complainant alleged that the notice received was handwritten and illegible. The complainant stated because of this, they did not know why they were being taken to court and could not file a related defence.
This Office was contacted by an individual who had a family member's two children placed in their care by the Department of Community Services as a Conditional Foster Parent. Within a month the complainant indicated they were struggling financially as a result of caring for their three children and their two foster children.
2020-21 Business Plan now available
The Office of the Ombudsman's Business Plan for fiscal 2020-21 is now available here
2018-19 Annual Report
The Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman handled 2,278 complaints, inquiries, and youth contacts in the 2018-2019 fiscal year. In his Annual Report, tabled in the House of Assembly October 1, 2019, Mr. William A.
Office open September 10
The Office of the Ombudsman will re-open Tuesday, September 10, at 8:30am.
Office Closure - Ongoing Power Outage
The Office of the Ombudsman will be closed Monday, September 9, due to a power outage.