How to Make a Complaint

Before contacting the Office of the Ombud

A misunderstanding or difference of opinion can often be resolved by taking the time to talk and listen to the other side. The organization won’t know there is a problem unless you tell them. Before you contact us, tell the organization about your concern and give them a chance to fix it. Remember to:

  • Explain your concern clearly
  • Treat people respectfully and courteously, and listen carefully to them
  • Ask if you can speak with a supervisor or manager about your concern
  • Ask how and why a decision was made or an action was taken
  • Ask if there is a review or appeal available – if there is, try it
  • Ask how they will deal with your concern, and when you can expect an answer
  • Write down the names of people you speak with, when you spoke with them, and what they said
  • Ask questions if you do not understand what is being said
  • Keep copies of letters, emails and other documents

You can find more tips on how to solve a problem with a government organization here.

If you still feel you were treated unfairly after taking these steps, please contact the Office of the Ombud.

How to make a complaint to the Office of the Ombud

You can make a complaint by phone, letter, fax, email, or in-person:

Phone: 1-844-686-6283 (toll-free) or 874-6623 (in Hay River)
Mail: PO Box 4297, Hay River NT, X0E 1G5
Fax: 1-867-874-6250
Email: info@nwtombud.ca

If you wish to make a complaint in person, it is best to call ahead for an appointment to make sure someone will be available to speak with you.  Our office is located at: 6 Courtoreille Street, Suite 5 in Hay River (across the hall from the Back Eddy Restaurant).

For written complaints, please use our complaints form.

Here is the information we will need:

  • Your full name, and how and when we can best contact you
  • The name of the territorial government organization you are complaining about
  • What happened and when
  • Why you think it is unfair or wrong
  • What you have done to try to fix the problem
  • What you would like to happen to fix the problem
  • Copies of any relevant documents, such as letters or emails between you and the organization about the problem, and any decisions the organization has sent you