Office of the Citizens� Representative
October 13, 2009Office of the Citizens�
Representative; Good Governance Week
The Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman has designated the
week of October 13�16 as Good Governance Week � a nation-wide
celebration of the role of ombudsmen in commemoration of the 200th
anniversary of the first parliamentary ombudsman, established in Sweden
in 1809. In this Province, the Office of the Citizens� Representative
undertakes the role of Parliamentary Ombudsman.
The Office of the Citizens� Representative has organized a number of
events to celebrate this week. Some include:
The launch of a consultation to ascertain whether the
legislation governing the Office of the Citizens�
Representative works adequately to facilitate its work. This
initiative is part of the Office�s three year Business Plan
developed for the 2008-2011 period. A consultative paper has
been prepared to facilitate discussion among citizens and
public officials.
An essay-writing contest soliciting submissions from
Grade Six students throughout the Province. Background
materials were sent to schools in early September. Among the
submissions received, Kelcie Parsons of Westport was the
winner.
Participation, along with other ombudsmen throughout the
country, in a national week-long blog on Slaw.ca, a national
web log about the law. The Office of the Citizens�
Representative will blog about the difference between legal
rights and fairness principles.
The Citizens� Representative, Barry Fleming, invites all citizens to
visit his Office�s website at www.citizensrep.nl.ca. and read Kelcie
Parsons� winning essay and review the consultation paper dealing with
his Office�s legislation. Mr. Fleming said, "For a democracy to
flourish, it is important that all citizens have an understanding of,
and appreciation for, all democratic institutions, including the work of
the Citizens� Representative".
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Media contact:
Jocelyn Walsh or
Lorraine Holden
Office of the Citizens� Representative
709-729-6541
2009 10 13 11:05 a.m.
