Manitoba Ombudsman

Manitoba Ombudsman is hiring for a dynamic new Information Security & Privacy Officer position. This role will provide expertise in existing and emerging technology-related matters, technology related investigations, assessments and audits, and the office's own information security strategy and framework. Apply directly for position advertisement number 43632 at https://lnkd.in/g5Mufrka. View the position details at https://lnkd.in/gtuT-x_6.

Manitobans expect and deserve a transparent government where information is proactively and readily available. Transparency should be the default way of operating. Transparency in public services can inform, empower and engage citizens, helping build trust and confidence in public systems. Our joint resolution calls for governments and authorities to prioritize transparency in the design and implementation of new systems, administrative processes, procedures, and governance models. Read our joint resolution: Transparency by Default – Information Regulators call for a New Standard in Government Service: https://lnkd.in/g2MspEgv

The rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Manitoba have been rising. FIPPA and PHIA authorize the sharing of personal or personal health information with an at-risk individual or other individuals/organizations when there is a serious risk to life, health or safety. Sharing this information can help protect potential victims of IPV and their children. Manitoba service providers can empower their staff with clear guidelines and policies that support this practice while ensuring the privacy rights of Manitobans. Read our joint resolution: Responsible information-sharing in situations involving intimate partner violence https://lnkd.in/gXQjAK7F

MYTH: Our patient told us he plans to hurt his girlfriend, but because he’s our patient we can’t share that information. WRONG. Manitoba privacy laws specifically allow sharing of information to prevent the risk of serious harm to the life, health or safety of an individual. We encourage organizations to proactively establish internal tools and guidance so employees and service providers can be responsive in these situations. Employees and service providers need to know how to assess the risk of serious harm and when to apply these exceptions outlined in Manitoba privacy laws. Read our joint resolution: Responsible information-sharing in situations involving intimate partner violence - https://lnkd.in/gXQjAK7F

We are at the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM)'s fall convention tradeshow today and this evening. We’ve been chatting with RMs about our role and services, and sharing some of our municipal-focused resources and tools which are also available on our website. Stop by or get in touch with us if you have questions. See insights and ads Boost post All reactions: 1 Association of Manitoba Municipalities

Some of our staff joined ombuds and ombud staff from across Canada at this year’s Forum of Canadian Ombudsman / Forum canadien des Ombudsmans conference. National and international speakers candidly shared about challenges, achievements and aspirations, helping fuel conversations on evolving practices while holding the principles of the ombudsman institution. It was a great opportunity to learn from and with other ombud offices across the country.

Manitoba Ombudsman is seeking two Intake Investigators to join our team. Apply directly for position advertisement number 43436 at https://lnkd.in/ggbcVPfT. View the position details at https://lnkd.in/ghkcKiEZ.

This year’s FPT meeting brought together information and privacy commissioners and ombuds from across Canada to strengthen partnerships and reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting access and privacy rights. The productive two-day meeting covered crucial topics such as AI modernization, cabinet confidence, Indigenous privacy concepts, neurotechnology, and youth privacy. Read the full communiqué for key updates from the meeting: https://ow.ly/6a7J50TIMAH

Thursday, October 10 is Ombuds Day in Canada. Ombuds (also called ombudsmen or ombudspeople) exist across the world and receive and resolve complaints from citizens, often investigating and reporting an outcome. The Manitoba Ombudsman office has existed for 54 years as an independent, impartial and non-partisan office, providing an avenue for citizens and employees where a neutral party can investigate and identify when public services have or have not acted fairly, equitably, compliantly (with legislation or policy) or in the public/citizen interest. “It’s important to have oversight that acts in the interest of citizens, prevents and corrects maladministration and helps facilitate public trust and confidence in public systems.” – Ombudsman Jill Perron The ombudsman institution plays a critical role in resolving concerns, protecting citizen rights and encouraging fairness, transparency and accountability in public services. The Manitoba Ombudsman is distinct in Canada as a provincial office with four different mandates outlined by four different pieces of legislation. We receive complaints about the fairness of government decisions or actions (Ombudsman Act) and information access and privacy (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act & Personal Health Information Act) as well as whistleblower disclosures or whistleblower related reprisal complaints (Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act). Learn more about who and what you can complain about: - Ombudsman Act FAQ: https://lnkd.in/gCeU_c6r - FIPPA FAQ: https://lnkd.in/gYDsG4p5 - PHIA FAQ: https://lnkd.in/gg4AQskg - PIDA FAQ: https://lnkd.in/g98iHZBm We receive complaints about health facilities, government programs/departments, municipalities and more. Many complaints are able to be resolved quickly while others may become investigations under one of our four mandates. As part of investigations, Manitoba Ombudsman makes impartial, independent and fair decisions and may issue recommendations to recover a right, provide a solution or outline necessary actions that will improve compliance or administration of public programs and services. Apart from receiving complaints, we educate the public about their rights relating to fairness of public services, their personal information, access to public body information and whistleblowing. We also provide training and education for public administrators on principles and best practices related to fairness, information access and privacy, and public interest disclosures. Ombuds Day – October 10 #OmbudsDay

September 28 is Right to Know Day around the world. This day is a chance to talk about a citizen’s right to know including the right to access information from the public bodies/trustees in their region and province. Read our quick overview on what information citizens can access under Manitoba legislation.