Manitoba

MANITOBA OMBUDSMAN

Manitoba Ombudsman is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly. The responsibilities of the office include investigating complaints and reviewing compliance concerning access to information rights under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA). The powers of the Ombudsman also include conducting audits, commenting on the implications for access to information of proposed legislative schemes and programs of public sector bodies and informing the public about the Acts.

Our office is pleased to participate with other Canadian access and privacy oversight offices in coordinating efforts to recognize Canada’s fourth Right to Know Week, September 28 to October 2, 2009.

There is a similar partnership in Manitoba where, for three years, a broadly represented committee has planned Right to Know Week activities and taken other opportunities to promote public awareness of the right to access. The Manitoba Right to Know Committee is represented by members from the:

• Consumers Association of Canada (Manitoba)
• Canadian Association of Journalists (Manitoba)
• Canadian Taxpayers Federation (Manitoba)
• Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties
• Manitoba Bar Association
• Manitoba Public Insurance
• Manitoba Ombudsman
• Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba
• Wendy Elliott, Privacy Consultant
• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority