NLIS 2
May 14, 2001
(Justice)

Justice minister announces reinstatement of ombudsman

Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons today announced the reinstatement of the office of the ombudsman.

"Premier Grimes made a commitment to reinstate the ombudsman to ensure greater confidence in the institutions of government,"said the minister. "It is a priority for government to create a greater level of trust, openness and accountability."

The ombudsman, to be renamed citizens' representative, will have a mandate to hear public concerns regarding the administration of programs and services and will have the same power as the original ombudsman.

"The new citizens' representative will have broad investigative powers, similar to that of the former ombudsman," noted the minister. "The office will have the authority to investigate Crown corporations, departments and agencies of government."

The citizens' representative will be appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council on recommendation of the legislature. The individual will report directly to the House of Assembly, not through any minister or the premier.

"The reinstated citizens' representative will be totally independent of government and is free to make any recommendations necessary," said Minister Parsons.

Government plans to have the Office of Citizens' Representative established later this year.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications, (709) 729-6985.

2001 05 14                                      12:15 p.m.