Functional Responsibility:
The Office of the Métis Settlements Ombudsman was created to inspect or investigate complaints where Settlement members believe they have been treated unfairly or have an issue relating to conflict of interest by Settlement Councils or staff. The primary functions of the Ombudsman include:

• assisting Settlement members and Councils to understand the concepts of administrative fairness and leadership issues;
• promoting appropriate standards for the delivery of settlement services to Settlement communities;
• accepting complaints from anyone who feels that an administrative error, injustice or leadership conflict of interest has occurred with respect to Métis Settlements Councils, Councillors, staff members or employees of a business operated by a Council;
• identifying unfair or unjust complaints and inspecting or investigating legitimate complaints;
• inspecting or investigating any administrative fairness or leadership issues on the Métis Settlements Ombudsman's own initiative;
• communicating the results of an inspection or investigation, including recommendations to resolve a specific complaint or to improve a service delivery system;
• advocating for any recommendations made by the Métis Settlements Ombudsman office.

Predecessor and successor bodies:
There are no predecessor or successor bodies to the Office of the Métis Settlements Ombudsman.

Administrative Relationships:
The Office of the Métis Settlements Ombudsman is an independent office that reports to the Alberta Legislature through the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.

Administrative Structure:
The Alberta Métis Settlements Ombudsman is appointed by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development based on the recommendation of a selection committee. Section 235 of the Métis Settlements Act gives the Ombudsman the authority to perform the powers and duties conferred on the Minister in that capacity.

Names of Chief Officers:
Métis Settlements Ombudsman:
Harley Johnson 2003-present