|
Citizen�s Representative 2nd Annual Report Fraser March , Citizens�
Representative for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, released his
2nd Annual Report today. The report displays a statistical picture of the
first 22 months of operation of the Citrep office; recommends legislative
changes designed to increase efficiency and productivity in this citizens�
grievance process; requests a review of the legislative changes recommended
in the 1st Annual Report, which have been ignored; explores the fundamental
principles of an Ombuds service; reviews the structural, ombuds complaint
process developing in our province; examines selected cases; responds to
three public criticisms; and provides recognition for public employees who
have co-operated with Citrep investigatory procedures beyond the
requirements of duty.
During the 10-month period
commencing March 1, 2002 the Citrep office received 2,181 telephone
inquiries and 1,006 written complaints/inquiries that required
investigations to be initiated. For the purpose of administrative recording,
200 homecare industry complaints are recorded as one complaint because of
similarities in grievances and solutions. Of the 1,006 investigations
initiated during the first 10 months of 2002, 180 were completed with
reports written by December 31, 2002 leaving 826 complaints/inquires to be
transferred to the year 2003 of which 62 had investigations completed by the
end of the year 2003 leaving 764 complaints/inquiries from the year 2002 in
the investigatory stage by December 31, 2003.
During the year 2003 the Citrep
office received 3,818 phone and written inquiries of which 748 matters
required the Citrep to initiate investigations in accordance with the
Citizens� Representative Act. Of these 2003 initiated investigations,
256 cases had investigations completed and reports written by December 31,
2003.
During its first 22 months in
operation the office of the Citizens� Representative received 5,999
telephone inquiries and initiated 1,754 investigations as was required by
legislation. By December 31, 2003 investigations were completed in 498 of
these cases.
The professional employees who
make up the public service of Newfoundland and Labrador provide the policy
and administrative framework necessary for our liberal democracy to function
and thus allows us to live in a system characterized by a level of citizen
security, individual care and economic well being without historical
precedent. These professionals have generally provided excellent
co-operation when dealing with Citrep investigations. Three of these public
sector employees have provided examples of outstanding co-operation, are
named in the conclusion section of the report and each will receive special
recognition from the Premier of our province.
Without interference with the
forgoing the Citizens� Representative must in the interests of accurate
reporting note two negative aspects flowing from his relationship with
government.
The first refers to complaints
from five citizens whose martial partners lost their lives in workplace
accidents. The surviving spouses allege that they have been unreasonably
denied certain retroactive benefits and have requested the Citizens�
Representative to investigate. A description of the complaints is found on
page 44 of the report. The Workplace, Health, Safety and Compensation
Commission has co-operated with the Citrep investigation but the provincial
government has blocked the investigation on jurisdictional grounds - a
matter that is now before the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal.
The second involves the
administrative relationship between the Citizens� Representative and the
House of Assembly. A need on the part of the House of Assembly to
micro-manage the office of the Citizens� Representative has and does
create structural inefficiencies leading to lost productivity and a
reduction in this public service. The Citizens� Representative would have
completed an increased number of complaint investigations if it were not for
the administrative obstruction and interference of the House of Assembly.
The need of the House of Assembly to micro-mange the operations of Citrep
office is leading to an inefficient use of public funds. A review of other
Canadian jurisdictions indicates an unprecedented level of administrative
interference into the ombuds service of Newfoundland and Labrador by the
House of Assembly.
A press briefing will take place
on Thursday, December 2, at 10:00, in Salon B at the Capital Hotel, Kenmount
Road, St. John�s.
To obtain a copy of the report
please contact the office at (709) 729-7647 or (800) 559-0079
2004 12 01 12:30 p.m. |
||
|
