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A specialized approach for the First Nations and Inuit
The Protecteur du citoyen has undertaken a cultural safety initiative with First Nations and Inuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make a complaint
Complaints to the Protecteur du citoyen are usually filed by the person who experienced the situation in question. Complaints can also be filed by a friend or family member (with the person’s consent if they are considered competent) about a failing or infringement of rights by a department or an agency of the Government of Québec. Complaints can also be about flaws within the health and social services network. In such a case, the Protecteur du citoyen acts as a second level of recourse, after the service quality and complaints commissioner.
Reports are made by someone who has witnessed shortcomings or injustice in public services. Do you feel that the rights of an individual or of a group of individuals have been breached by the health and social services network? You can report for the well-being of the persons concerned. Whatever the sector, we act directly on the front line.
The formalities for filing a complaint or report are very simple and cost-free. Contact us now.
No. The Protecteur du citoyen has no jurisdiction in that area. Your complaint must be made to the Police Ethics Commissioner instead.
Denounce a reprehensible act
Alleged wrongdoers have the right to a fair procedure. During our investigation, we give you the opportunity to describe your version of the events.
See the Alleged wrongdoer and Handling disclosures pages for information about our investigation procedure.
The measures vary according to the recourse or investigations underway.
- If recourse is exercised before a judicial or administrative tribunal, the tribunal determines the appropriate measures in the situation at hand.
- If we conduct an administrative investigation and conclude that the person has suffered reprisal, we recommend corrective action. We then turn to the highest authority in the public body concerned. If the circumstances warrant it, we turn to the minister responsible for the public body in question.
- If we are investigating a possible breach of the law and consider that the evidence gathered is sufficient, we forward the case on to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, who assesses the possibility of a criminal prosecution. Anyone found guilty of reprisal is liable to a fine of between $5,000 and $30,000. Fines can range from $15,000 to $250,000 for companies, associations and other legal entities. Fines are doubled for repeat offences.
See the Handling reprisal complaints section for further information.