The public official charged with reviewing complaints against public agencies wants to hear from South Okanagan residents when she tours the region later this month.

British Columbia Ombudsman Kim Carter will visit Penticton Sept. 15 as part of a swing through the South Okanagan and Similkameen. The trip begins with a stop in Princeton Sept. 14. Carter will also stop in Osoyoos Sept. 16 and Kelowna Sept. 17-18.

“I try to go to different parts of the province, so we can listen to people and hear what is on their mind,” said Carter.

Due to demand, appointments must be booked ahead of time by calling 1-800-567-3247.

As an independent officer of the provincial legislature, the Ombudsman receives and investigates complaints against practices and services provided by public agencies.

While the office does not advocate on behalf of the complainant, it can conduct impartial and confidential hearings to determine if a public agency has acted fairly. The Ombudsman enjoys a wide range of jurisdiction over a wide range of public agencies, including the provincial government, municipal governments, Crown corporations, health agencies, schools and school district, university and colleges and self-regulation professional societies.

It cannot investigate issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the federal government, the courts, banks, doctors or other items with a private dimension.

The position enjoys an aura of authority because it represents an impartial voice above the fray of politics.

Drastic cuts to the office during the first term of the current B.C. Liberal government caused considerable outrage and prompted Carter’s predecessor Howard Kushner to issue a stunning rebuke of the B.C. Liberals in 2003 when he accused them of undermining government accountability.

Carter — who has an extensive background in investigating war crimes and military justice — has also appeared as a thorn in the side of government when her office launched an on-going investigation into the state of the senior care facilities after her office had received a high number of complaints.

The investigation — which has a special significance for the South Okanagan — will focus on the distribution of information about senior care facilities.

Carter’s office has recently also issued a report recommending improvements to social assistance. All but one of the 28 recommendations have since found their way into practice.

“It (the office) is very much a part of the democratic process,” said Carter, who assumed her position in 2006. “When people come to us, it’s a way of influencing government.”

The number of people coming forward has certainly gone up. While Carter’s office is still compiling final numbers, the number of new files has gone up 18 per cent to some 8,000 complaints and inquiries during the 2008-09 fiscal year.

Carter said a number of reasons are behind this increase. People, he said, are re-discovering the office, she said. The economic climate may also matter, she said.

“It is fair to say that if economic times are good, people can shrug off certain things,” she said, adding that is no longer the case.

So what kind of a turnout does Carter expect when she comes to the South Okanagan? While Carter said she does not have any specific expectations, past visits to other parts of province have revealed considerable interest.