Alberta Ombudsman 2024−2025 Annual Report Reveals Record Number of Complaints
September 9, 2025 Media Inquiries
Today, Alberta Ombudsman Kevin Brezinski released the 2024−2025 Annual Report, which outlines the achievements of his office in investigating complaints of administrative unfairness in Alberta’s public agencies.
Highlights of this year’s annual report include a record number of complaints received by the Ombudsman’s office and updates on notable public reports about programs that provide much-needed support to Albertans.
“I am particularly proud of our efforts to keep pace with a record number of complaints brought to our office this past year,” said the Ombudsman. “Our 2024−2025 Annual Report shows that impartial, independent investigations into administrative unfairness create positive outcomes for Albertans and public sector organizations alike.”
Statistical highlights
The Ombudsman received a total of 5,647 cases in 2024−2025, including 2,215 written complaints, up 26% over the previous year. Despite the influx of complaints and cases, the Ombudsman’s office also increased the number of resolved complaints by 26% and closed 94% of all complaints within three months.
Updates on public reports
The 2024−2025 Annual Report features notable updates from authorities to the previously published Ombudsman public reports, Denied by Design and Programs Adrift.
- Programs Adrift was an own motion investigation that exposed systemic flaws in the Alberta Adult Health Benefit and Alberta Child Health Benefit programs, now overseen by the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services and the Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services. These programs, which help cover health-related costs for low-income Albertans, saw meaningful improvements in the form of increased transparency and the enhancement of the application process.
- Denied by Design showed an over-reliance on IQ score alone as an eligibility criterion for the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program. As detailed in the annual report, the Ombudsman’s recommendations have not yet been implemented and, since the publication of the report, our office has received new complaints on behalf of applicants similarly denied benefits.
These case summaries and more illustrate the work to investigate complaints brought forward by Albertans about unfair treatment.
Download a copy of the full 2024−2025 Annual Report here.
The first parliamentary Ombudsman office in North America, the Alberta Ombudsman is the voice of fairness for Albertans, protecting the right to fair treatment in the provision of public services.
The Alberta Ombudsman’s office responds to complaints of unfair treatment by provincial government authorities, municipalities, the Patient Concerns Resolution Process of Alberta Health Services, health professions, and other designated professional organizations.
Your Voice of Fairness: www.ombudsman.ab.ca
To file a complaint with the Ombudsman, visit: www.ombudsman.ab.ca/complaint-checker
Media inquiries
Amanda Clements-Harvey
Communications Manager, Office of the Alberta Ombudsman
780-427-2756