Applications To Find New Ombud, Youth Advocate Now Open

New Brunswick is getting ready to look for a new ombud along with a child, youth and seniors’ advocate.

A news release says the province has established a selection committee that will identify qualified candidates, which will then submit those names to the lieutenant governor in council.

The province says the committee includes:

• The clerk of the Executive Council or a person designated by the clerk.
• The clerk of the legislative assembly or a person designated by the clerk.
• Justice Charles LeBlond from the New Brunswick Court of Appeal.
• Anne Comfort, vice-president of international and student affairs at Mount Allison University.

The child, youth and seniors’ advocate acts on behalf of New Brunswick children, youth, adults under protection and seniors in general. They are responsible for ensuring the security of these people’s rights and interests.

He also gives information and advice to officials about the availability, effectiveness, responsiveness and relevance of services and the consideration of their views about them. The advocate also ensures these people can access approved services and complaints are given proper attention.

New Brunswick’s ombud investigates complaints within various provincial departments and school districts, regional health authorities and other agencies belonging to the province. They also investigate complaints under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.

The provincial government says Premier Blaine Higgs will consult with opposition leaders on a list of candidates for each position. A motion will be passed in the legislature before the lieutenant governor appoints successful candidates.

Norm Bossé is the current child, youth and seniors’ advocate, while Charles Murray is the New Brunswick ombud. The province said both will stay in their roles until the selection process is complete.

Both were appointed in 2013 but had their seven-year terms extended due to “pressing needs,” according to a spokesperson for the provincial government.

“Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, New Brunswick Integrity Commissioner Charles Murray was asked to continue in his role as acting Ombud for another year, starting Jan. 1, 2021,” Adam Bowie wrote in an email.

Bossé’s term was extended through an appointment as acting child, youth and seniors’ advocate after he was tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of mental health services in the province, he said.

“Mr. Bossé needed time, and the full powers of his office, to complete this work, a task that would have proved impossible before his term was initially slated to end in August,” said Bowie.

Those interested have until Oct. 22, and the application is available on the province’s website.

With files from Brad Perry.