REGINA — After learning that documents relating to Ombudsman Saskatchewan were recently found in a recycling bin in Regina, the organization has been conducting an investigation into the information that was recovered.
“We take the trust the public puts in us very seriously. One of the pivotal foundations of our office, since its inception in 1973, is that of maintaining the confidentiality of our citizens,” said Sharon Pratchler, Saskatchewan’s Ombudsman.
Ombudsman Saskatchewan was informed about the documents on Sept.6, 2023, and retrieved the documents, which were related to 21 individuals from September 1996 to April 1997. Addresses from that time were also present for 11 of the individuals. The documents do not include dates of birth or social insurance numbers.
The office determined the documents were placed in the recycling bin after the clean-up of a residence. The residence was that of a former practicum student who had worked in the office during 1996-97.
“We have secured the recovered documents in our office. Notification of these citizens is complicated by the age of the documents. However, our office is attempting to locate these individuals,” said Pratchler. “In the spirit of transparency and accountability, we are advising the public about what occurred.”
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