News release

Ombudsman Reappointed for Five Years

Justice

Justice Minister and Attorney General Cecil Clarke announced the reappointment of Nova Scotia Ombudsman Dwight Bishop for five years today, Oct. 21.

"Nova Scotians are well served by a person of Mr. Bishop's integrity and qualifications," said Mr. Clarke. "He has demonstrated a level of professionalism in the office and we look forward to a continuation of his high standard of service."

The ombudsman is an independent officer of the House of Assembly, and reports to the legislature through the Office of the Speaker. Provincial legislation allows for an automatic renewal of the ombudsman's contract.

Mr. Bishop is a former member of the RCMP. He is a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society and a board member of the Nova Scotia division of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. He is an executive member of the forum of the Canadian Ombudsman and a member of the Parliamentary Ombudsman Association.

Any person or group, with a complaint against a provincial or municipal government department, agency, board or commission, can ask for the ombudsman's assistance. The office has an expanded focus relating to youth and seniors. The ombudsman also has responsibilities under the Civil Service Disclosure of Wrongdoing Regulations.

More information on the Office of the Ombudsman, including the office's business plan, is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/ombu .