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Situation report
First Nations and Inuit rights in public services
The Protecteur du citoyen published a situation report on the implementation of the calls for action of the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec.
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 is not mandated to contest decisions by the Premier, ministers or any other elected official.
We cannot comment on government appointments, announcement of public subsidies or the outcome of negotiations.
As Québec’s ombudsman, we are impartial and independent. We act concerning the quality of public services (government departments and agencies, health and social services institutions). We make any required recommendations aimed at rectifying abuse, mistakes or failings (e.g. long wait times, misinformation or unwarranted administrative decisions).
Denounce a reprehensible act
When we can handle your reprisal complaint, we offer a mediation service free of charge. The aim of mediation is to actively find a solution to the situation you are experiencing through dialogue.
Please note: before starting mediation, we must have your agreement, as well as that of the person who carried out reprisal.
The mediator, appointed by the Protecteur du citoyen, acts impartially, neutrally and independently and helps the parties find a solution that suits them. If the parties come to an agreement, a settlement agreement is signed that puts an end to the handling of your complaint.
If no settlement is reached or if mediation is refused, we contact you to present the other options available.
To find out more, see the Handling reprisal complaints page.
This is usually the person responsible for managing the public body, such as the deputy minister, president or executive director. It can also be the board of directors in the case of a school service centre or the council of commissioners in the case of a school board, or the minister responsible for the public body. This is particularly the case if the person with the highest administrative authority is the perpetrator of the alleged wrongdoing.