Ombudsman now Ombudsperson in B.C.

B.C.'s Office of the Ombudsman is changing its name to the Office of the Ombudsperson under legislation introduced Monday.

"This name change is about better reflecting the era in which we live," Attorney General Mike de Jong said in a press release.

"Societal norms have evolved since this office was first established in 1979. Workplace diversity has come a long way, and this change reflects our sensitivity to the names of public offices."

The position is currently held by Kim Carter. She is the second woman to serve in that position.

The ombudsperson is an independent officer of the legislature who oversees the administrative actions of government authorities.

The office's mandate is to conduct independent investigations of complaints and make recommendations to improve administrative practices.

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  B.C. Attorney General Mike de Jong says the government is dropping the name Ombudsman and changing it to Office of the Ombudsperson to better reflect the current times. Monday, Oct. 5, 2009 (B.C. gov't)