Ombudsman Appointment

Mayann Francis, executive director of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, has accepted an interim appointment as ombudsman for the province of Nova Scotia.

The five-year term of the former ombudsman, Douglas Ruck, Q.C., expired this month.

Ms. Francis will oversee the operations of both offices on a temporary basis while the government considers whether to merge the two. A review is now underway. During the review, Ms. Francis will not receive extra remuneration.

"I want to thank Mr. Ruck for his leadership during the past five years," said Michael Baker, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act.

"We will continue to explore whether the public could be better served by a joint agency. Our goal is to build on the strengths of the Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman," he said.

The minister added that strong consideration is being given to the need for an advisory group to represent the views of the African Canadian community in Nova Scotia.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is an independent government commission that is charged with the administration of the province's Human Rights Act.

The Office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints against a department, agency, or official of either the provincial or municipal governments.