CANADA | Forging connections in Red Deer

September was an eventful month for the Alberta Ombudsman’s office, highlighted by the release of our 57th Annual Report and a meaningful trip to Red Deer. This journey, made by the Alberta Ombudsman and select staff, stands out as an effective way to raise awareness about the services the institution offers to Albertans and to provide valuable education to local authorities. Engaging with communities across the province helps them build stronger relationships and ensures that residents know how to access their services. Below are some key highlights.

Panel Discussion

The Alberta Ombudsman office was privileged to participate in the 2024 Alberta Municipalities Convention, where they presented on the panel titled “Fostering a Culture of Respect in Council Chambers, Social Media, and Beyond.” Their senior investigator shared insights on effective policies for managing complaints, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful environment in municipal governance.

Additionally, the  Director of Investigations joined Andrew Knack, Alberta Municipalities Board Director and Edmonton Councillor, and Nanton Mayor Jennifer Handley on a panel discussion. Together, they addressed pressing questions from municipal staff about best practices in complaint resolution and social media. This session was beneficial for promoting a culture of respect and transparency in local governance.

Trade Show

The participation in the Alberta Municipalities Trade Show furthered the institution's commitment to connecting with municipalities. This event, featuring a diverse range of vendors and organizations, allowed them to showcase their role since gaining jurisdiction over municipalities in 2018. Over two days of vibrant discussions, they offered municipalities practical tools and resources designed to enhance fairness in complaint handling, including:

• Tips for Handling Council Code of Conduct Complaints
• Recommendations FAQs for Municipalities
• Negligence and Liability FAQs for Municipalities
• Dealing Fairly with Unreasonable Conduct by Complainants
• 10 Frequently Asked Questions

The Alberta Ombudsman's goal is to foster a collaborative approach to resolving issues that everyday Albertans face, highlight the benefits of our services, and the opportunity for referrals to their office.

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Source: Alberta Ombudsman, Canada