Office moves to Aylmer

Gatineau gets an interim ombudsman

 During a special city council session, June 19, councillors appointed Marilyn Caron the new interim ombudsman for the City.  She will be responsible for conducting the activities of the Ombudsman’s Office of Gatineau, and, as requested by the City, the Ombudsman office will move to 115 Principale, in Aylmer.

Ms Caron’s interim appointment was recommended by three members of the working committee handling the dispute over the ombudsman office, Daniel Champagne, city council chairman, and two councillors, Renée Amyot and Mike Duggan. 

Ms Caron will serve in office until the ombudsman service has completed its re-visioning and re-establishment – likely near the end of October.

Marilyn Caron has significant experience as staff administrator in the health and services network, with years of experience in management and organizational development.  “Ms Caron will be able to go in person to La Maison de la culture to deal with city residents who have complaints, if that need arises,’’ stated Mr Champagne,  councillor for the Versant and the Council’s Chair.  Ms Caron is a salaried employee.

Characteristics of the Ombudsman’s Office

The purpose of the office is to help defend the rights and liberties of Gatineau citizens in regard to decisions made by pubic authorities.  Established in 2006, it answers directly to the city council and is an independent entity from public administration. The Ombudsman’s Office can intervene when and if the City has acted in an unreasonable, unjust, abusive or discriminatory fashion. The ombudsman can also intervene if the City has acted in an unfair manner or based on irrelevant facts.
(Trans. CL)