Introduction

 "What is Fairness Anyway?

“That is just not fair!” Have you ever said that? What exactly did you mean? What did you think was unfair and why? What would have made it fair? Is there a specific definition of fairness? Who enforces it?

Find out what the Ombudsman “Fairness Lens” is all about. What is considered when there is a fairness investigation into the administrative actions of government?

Students, be the first in your class to read the real cases and find out what happened “Under the Fairness Lens”. See if you agree or disagree with the results. Discuss with your classmates what you would have done differently.

You Can Use This Site

The information on this website may be used for informational and educational purposes by students and teachers. It can be printed, copied and referenced for research papers, classroom projects and presentations, as well as used in lesson plans. There is no fee for use of the materials.

Curriculum Level

The information and activities included in this section of the website have been developed for use in conjunction with the Social Studies Curriculum for Grades 10 to 12 and with Law 30.

Ways to Use This Website

Here are some ways you may wish to use this website:

• Teachers may wish to add it to their lesson plans and resource information as a class discussion guide for the related study units.

• Teachers may wish to use it as a research project for individual student learning.

• It will assist teachers in presenting general information about the office of the Ombudsman, in particular the parliamentary (government) ombudsman.

• It will assist students in researching the role of a parliamentary (government) ombudsman and what is administrative fairness in government.

The information presented will explain:

• The legislative authority and jurisdiction of Ombudsman Saskatchewan.

• How the Ombudsman is appointed in Saskatchewan.

• The role of the Ombudsman.

• Whose side the Ombudsman is on.

• How complaints are investigated.

• How recommendations are made.

• How complaints are resolved.

Students will find the basic history and background information an encouragement to do further detailed research into the concept of the parliamentary (government) ombudsman. Students can also discover the role that such an office plays in administrative government and law not only in Saskatchewan but in other provinces of Canada and throughout the world. Students can learn about the meaning of “fairness” and how to put it into practice so they become part of making government fair.

Try your knowledge at the Ombudsman Saskatchewan "Fact or Fiction Quiz." Teachers, see if you can score higher than your students. The answer sheet is provided. Find out what happens to a complaint that comes to the Ombudsman and learn more about administrative fairness in “Under the Fairness Lens.” There are real case studies that can be used for classroom discussion or individual assignment. Actual case outcomes are provided. A case study question sheet for focus and follow-up discussion is also included. All these resources are available in the "Resources" box at the top of this page.

Additional publications can be ordered from the office. This includes a Fairness Booklet and annual reports. These can also be viewed on this website under “Brochures and Reports”.

Need a Guest Speaker?

Contact us and request a speaker for an interactive classroom presentation. This is a free service and we would be glad to present information about the work of our office. Contact us at 1-800-667-7180.