Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Government Operations report on the review of the 2019-2020 Northwest Territories Ombud Annual Report.
Introduction
The Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed the 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Northwest Territories Ombud. The committee thanks Ms. Colette Langlois, Northwest Territories' Ombud, for her appearance before the Committee on December the 9th, 2020.
The Ombud is a statutory officer of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly under the Ombud Act. The Ombud investigates complaints from people who feel they have been treated unfairly by territorial authorities. The Ombud's role is to find fair solutions and improve the delivery of government services.
The Ombud Act requires the Ombud to prepare annual reports on the activities of the Ombud's office. This includes the number of inquiries and complaints received. The Speaker tables the report in the Legislative Assembly. Once tabled, Committee reviews the report. The 2019-2020 annual report is the first report since the appointment of the Northwest Territories' first Ombud in April 2019.
In her report, the Ombud highlights the activities of setting up a new Ombud office in Hay River, informs on investigations and public outreach, and makes recommendations. In this review, Committee discusses and responds to the Ombud's recommendations.
I will now turn it over to MLA Johnson to further carry on the report.