Yukon Ombudsman
Investigations and Submissions
Ombudsman investigations are confidential, but the Ombudsman can report publicly on investigations that are in the public interest.
Full investigations by the Ombudsman are relatively infrequent and most complaints are resolved using our informal complaint resolution process. We do not report details of every complaint resolved informally but examples of this work are included in our annual reports.
Investigation Reports
Investigation report to the Yukon Human Rights Commission (HRC) and the Department of Justice, July, 2024.
This investigation resulted from three separate complaints against the Yukon Human Rights Commission. The investigation found unfairness in the organization’s operations and made eight recommendations to the HRC and the Department of Justice combined.
The responses from the authorities were submitted on June 28, 2024 by the Department of Justice and on July 26, 2024 by the HRC.
Investigation report to the Department of Education, February 27, 2024
This second, and final report, completes the Ombudsman’s investigation of a complaint that the Department’s inordinate delay of 19 months to inform Hidden Valley Elementary School parents about the sexualized abuse of a student was unfair. The first report substantiated this communications failure and our second report examines whether the relevant Department commitments in the Action Plan meet the Rogers recommendations.
The Department submitted their response to the report on January 31, 2024.
Investigation report to the Department of Education, September 7, 2023
In October 2021, the Ombudsman received a complaint that a delay by the Department of Education in informing the parents of students at Hidden Valley Elementary School about allegations of sexualized abuse of a student by a staff member was unfair because they had no critical opportunity to talk to their children and provide or seek any necessary supports in a timely
manner. The complainant also believed that the delay resulted in other alleged child victims not receiving the supports they needed in a timely manner. This report finds that the complaint is substantiated. However, it makes no recommendations because any forthcoming will depend on the findings of the second Ombudsman report on this matter, to be issued later in the fall of 2023.
The Department of Education has responded to this report by letter, saying that it has no comments or representations to make. The department indicated that it has already acknowledged that mistakes were made in the response to the situation at the school, and it looks forward to receiving the Ombudsman's second report on this matter and reviewing any recommendations in regard to implementation of the Safer Schools Action Plan.
Investigation Report to the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, May 8, 2023
The Office of the Ombudsman found unfairness in the Department of Energy Mines and Resources’ lot enlargement policy after investigating a complaint from a Yukoner. The Ombudsman made four recommendations, which were accepted by the authority.
December 6, 2010
The Yukon Bureau of Statistics (YBS) and Department of Health and Social Services, Insured Health and Hearing Services (the Department) have for many years conducted a joint survey of health care insurance recipients. In the spring of 2010, the YBS mailed out a survey to 5113 Yukoners. The recipients were asked to complete the survey form and return it to the YBS. Both the cover letter and the survey form titled “Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan Update” contained a statement in large bold letters that “IF YOU DO NOT SIGN AND RETURN THIS CARD YOUR HEALTH CARE COULD BE CANCELLED."
The Yukon Ombudsman was contacted by several complainants who questioned the connection between completing the survey form and cancellation of their health care insurance coverage.
The Ombudsman reviewed that matter and decided to investigate. The investigation considered the law authorizing surveys and the connection between the survey and cancellation of health care insurance coverage.
Submissions on Proposed or Current Legislation
April 10, 2024
The Yukon Ombudsman has issued a special report requesting amendments to the Ombudsman Act that provide the same authority found in the majority of Canadian jurisdictions and align it with international best practices.
September 24, 2010
As Ombudsman, I welcome the opportunity to make submissions to the Members' Services Board and recommend the following amendments to the Ombudsman Act.
The amendments proposed here will improve the Ombudsman Act by enhancing the operations of the Office of the Ombudsman overall while supporting the ability of the Ombudsman to pursue the mandate to its fullest and to better serve the interests of the people of Yukon.
I have identified issues for this submissions that are evident through;
- the operations of the Office of the Ombudsman;
- working daily with the Yukon legislation;
- an examiniation of the Ombudsman experience in other jurisdictions; and
- a comparison of legislation across jurisdictions.
See the report for full details.
Tracy-Anne McPhee, Ombudsman
December 23, 2008
This submission is in response to the Discussion Paper from the Department of Health and Social Services regarding the proposed Child and Youth Advocate Act. The discussion paper seeks feedbackon the "made in Yukon model" proposed for a Child and Youth Advocate.
Tracy-Anne McPhee, Ombudsman
May 2, 2008
In my capacity as Ombudsman for the Yukon Territory, I am writing to provide input into the discussion regarding changes to the Corrections Act. The function of the Ombudsman, as it relates to Community and Correctional Services and Whitehorse Correctional Centre is to investigate and bring to resolution individual complaints. My office has responsibility to review and make recommendations on policies and procedures associated with individual complaints to ensure that systemic areas of conern are properly identified and addressed.
Tracy-Anne McPhee, Ombudsman
April 16, 2008
I write to advise you of a number of concerns I have regarding Bill 50, the Child and Family Servicse Act, and the implications for the protection of privacy and access to information contained in that porposed legislation. As Bill 50 is currently being considered and debated in teh Legislative Assembly, I ask that you distribute this correspondence to all Members of the House, in order that they are made aware of my concerns as soon as possible.
Tracy-Anne McPhee, Ombudsman
Relevant FAQs
- Do all complaints get investigated?
Not necessarily. Each complaint is unique and we try to choose the most appropriate way to deal with it. Sometimes that means an investigation. Other times, we may use mediation or negotiation. Whenever possible, we contact the government office to see if an early resolution can be achieved.
- What is an Ombudsman?
The term Ombudsman comes from the Swedish language, meaning “protector of the people”. There is no clearer or simpler way to express the core goal of this office. Our mission is to provide an independent means by which public complaints concerning the Yukon government can be heard and investigated. Our job is to promote fairness, and help improve government services.
- What does the Yukon Ombudsman do?
The Ombudsman is an impartial investigator who takes complaints regarding public organizations, like Yukon government. The Ombudsman can independently and impartially look at a matter to see whether or not you have been treated fairly. If the Ombudsman finds that you have been treated unfairly, she can make recommendations to address the unfairness. Independent review of individual complaints can work to improve government administration. We also work to educate the public and government about fairness in administration and the role of our office.