As one of Québec's parliamentary ombudsman, the Protecteur du citoyen provides independent and impartial recourse. We handle complaints and reports about:
- Québec government departments and agencies;
- Québec correctional services;
- The health and social services network (generally as a second resort).
Using an inclusive and a respectful approach, the Protecteur du citoyen has undertaken a cultural safety initiative with First Nations and Inuit.
A specialized team
The Protecteur du citoyen’s team includes one strategic advisor and three advisors who assess relations between Indigenous people and public services.
Their role is to ensure that First Nations and Inuit realities and rights are respected and taken into account.
Our services are available in French and English. On request, we can provide a Native languages interpreter.
Questions?
Would you like to know more about our services and approach? Contact Annie Bergeron, a member of the Ilnu community of Mashteuiatsh and the Protecteur du citoyen’s strategic advisor for relations with First Nations and Inuit.
Our principles
In 2024, the Protecteur du citoyen adopted a Statement of Principle concerning First Nations and Inuit.
The following principles guide our actions:
- Develop and maintain relationships of trust;
- Recognize Indigenous rights;
- Recognize First Nations and Inuit realities, skills and knowledge;
- Foster cultural safety and the fight against racism;
- Adopt a comprehensive and integrated perspective regarding our actions.
Our mandate
The Protecteur du citoyen assesses implementation of the calls for action of the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec (Viens Commission).
Our initiatives
In line with our mandate to follow up the Commission's calls for action, we carry out several initiatives. They aim to ensure that First Nations and Inuit realities are taken into account. Here are a few examples:
- Meetings with Indigenous authorities, organizations and communities;
- Voluntary self-identification of those who use our services in order to:
- Better know and understand why First Nations and Inuit do so;
- Evaluate and improve our practices so that they adequately meet Indigenous community needs;
- Awareness day for our staff concerning the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation;
- Supporting investigation teams in handling complaints from First Nations and Inuit;
- Training on Indigenous issues offered to all staff.
Our publications
The Protecteur du citoyen intervenes on issues that affect First Nations and Inuit communities.
Our career opportunities
The Protecteur du citoyen has an equal opportunity employment program. Visit our Careers section (in French only) and join us in making a difference.
Other remedies
The Protecteur du citoyen cannot intervene with authorities in federally funded communities. Here are a few useful resources that can do so:
- Canadian Human Rights Commission: complaints about human rights regarding the First Nations government
- Assessment and Investigation Services Branch of Indigenous Services Canada: complaints about the way Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada or Indigenous Services Canada funding is administered
- Office of the Correctional Investigator: complaints about a federal penitentiary.
See our Can we handle your complaint? page and our FAQ for information about other recourse.
