Roles and mandates

A trusted institution

The Québec Ombudsman has been Québec's parliamentary ombudsman since 1969. It does not report to the government. It reports to the National Assembly.

Our mission

To ensure that the rights of citizens are respected in their dealings with Quebec's public services.

Ensure the integrity and improvement of public services. 

Our values

  • Fairness
  • Respect
  • Impartiality
Values and ethics

Five coherent mandates

The Québec Ombudsman has five distinct mandates that converge on a single priority: the right of everyone to quality public services.

  • Handle complaints against Québec government departments or agencies.

  • Handle complaints and reports concerning the health and social services network. 

  • Handle complaints concerning Quebec's correctional services.

  • Handle disclosures of wrongdoing against public bodies and complaints of reprisal.

  • Evaluate the implementation of the calls to action of the Commission of Inquiry into relations between First Nations and certain public services.

Other interventions

  • Preventive action. We can intervene on our own initiative and investigate major issues. Our recommendations are aimed at finding solutions to improve the quality of public services. See Special reports.

  • Analysis of draft legislation and regulations, as well as administrative directives and policies. When we deem it appropriate, and in the best interests of citizens, we recommend changes. See Reactions to bills and draft regulations.

The role of the Québec Ombudsman is not to be your lawyer

When we examine a complaint or disclosure, we listen to all parties involved and conduct a rigorous, objective investigation.

The Québec Ombudsman is an alternative to the courts

If you turn to us first, in many situations we can help you avoid lengthy and costly legal proceedings. For complaints against the public administration, we do not intervene when legal action has already been taken before the Court of Québec or the Superior Court of Québec concerning the same facts or events. We cannot reverse a court decision.

Simple, free and effective recourse

Our services are available to everyone, without discrimination.
See our Service statement.

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