This Office was forwarded an anonymous letter alleging wrongdoing within the Public Service Commission with respect to their job posting practices, which restrict applications for certain positions to applicants from under-represented groups.
This Office received complaints from several individuals regarding the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board, a section within Crown Lending Agencies. The complaints were varied and included concerns involving the workplace culture, a procurement contract, and allegations of a breach of confidentiality and potential conflict of interest.
While reviewing a complaint involving Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA), this Office was advised by a caseworker that they may make one attempt to contact a new applicant to follow-up on any outstanding information in their application, regardless whether the caseworker is able to leave a message. While the initial complaint was addressed through the administrative review process and the file closed, this Office continued to have concerns regarding this communication practice.
Parents contacted the Office regarding their concerns involving the cessation of service to the regular school bus stop for their child. The parents had gone through the complaint processes available to them at the Regional Centre for Education level and were not satisfied with the outcome.
There are some complaints that do not clearly fall into the authority of one department or another to address. This Office was contacted by a property owner who had concerns about a dilapidated wharf in inland waters that was located on the shoreline area of a lake. This wharf was reported to be partially dismantled with pieces washing up on neighbouring properties. There were concerns that the wharf could be a boating or swimming hazard.
An individual contacted this Office regarding monies removed from their account when they transferred between correctional facilities. They were reportedly advised by the correctional facility that they had been fined for alleged damage to a sprinkler. The individual insisted that they had not broken a sprinkler and therefore did not owe the money. They advised that there had been a restitution order at one facility which was paid.
The Child Death Review Final Report was issued in July 2014. Since that time, this Office has been updated regularly on the progress made by the respondents to implement the recommendations.
In May 2014, this Office initiated an own motion investigation of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (NSHRC). This investigation was initiated based on a number of complaints received by this Office which were similar in nature and were also related to issues previously identified in an investigation conducted by the Office.
In July 2016, this Office issued the Final Report in a matter brought forward by a Municipality in relation to the Municipality’s handling of roaming horses. The situation involved the Municipality, Department of Natural Resources, and the Animal Welfare Division of the Department of Agriculture. The Animal Welfare Division now falls under the authority of Nova Scotia Environment.
An individual contacted this Office regarding the seizure of livestock by the Department of Agriculture and alleged they were treated unfairly by department staff throughout the inspection and seizure process.