Annual report highlights systemic flaws in government programs and lack of follow-through on key recommendations
EDMONTON — Alberta’s Ombudsman says his office handled a record number of complaints over the past year, revealing continued strains in provincial programs and raising questions about the government’s ability to deliver fair treatment to citizens.
In his 2024–2025 annual report, Ombudsman Kevin Brezinski said his office received more than 5,600 cases, including over 2,200 written complaints, marking a 26 per cent increase from the previous year. While most complaints were resolved within three months, the surge points to growing frustration with government services.
The report outlines progress on certain investigations, including systemic flaws previously exposed in Alberta’s Adult Health Benefit and Child Health Benefit programs. Changes to those supports, which serve low-income Albertans, included clearer applications and greater transparency.
But other areas remain unresolved. Brezinski noted that recommendations from the Denied by Design report, which criticized the use of IQ scores as the main eligibility requirement for the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program, have not been acted on by government. His office has since received new complaints from applicants denied benefits under the same criteria.
The findings cast doubt on whether the province is keeping up with the needs of vulnerable Albertans, despite government assurances that programs are being improved.
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