FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2023
Greens to introduce legislation to include post-secondary institutions under the Ombudsperson Act
Charlottetown, PE – Karla Bernard, MLA for Charlottetown-Victoria Park and Third Party critic for Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population, announced her intention to sponsor legislation that would bring Island post-secondary institutions under the Ombudsperson Act.
Currently, the provincial Ombudsperson does not have jurisdiction over post-secondary institutions. The proposed legislation would allow the Ombudsperson to review decisions, recommendations, or acts relating to public post-secondary institutions on PEI, which include UPEI, Holland College, and College de l’Ile.
“Like other Islanders, I was concerned about what I read in the recent third-party review of UPEI,” said Bernard. “I recognize that changes are needed to rebuild public trust in our post-secondary sector.”
Other Canadian provinces where Ombudsperson has full or partial jurisdiction of the post-secondary sector include British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.
Common subjects of complaints in other jurisdictions include admissions, loans and grants, academic appeals, student services, and the administration of institution policies.
“This legislation will add additional oversight to our post-secondary sector and help build public trust in these institutions,” said Bernard. “The Ombudsperson has delivered terrific results to-date by working with concerned Islanders and public bodies to resolve concerns.”
The Greens will be seeking the support of the Progressive Conservative caucus and the Liberal caucus to debate this timely and important bill before the close of the spring sitting.
Consultation Draft: An Act to Amend the Ombudsperson Act
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Rankin
Chief of Staff
Office of the Third Party
Tel: (902) 213-6378
Email: kerankin@assembly.pe.ca