About the NCC Ombudsman

Role and Mandate

The NCC Ombudsman provides members of the public with an independent, confidential, impartial, fair and equitable resource for resolving complaints and concerns about the NCC.  The role and mandate of the NCC Ombudsman are defined in the Terms of Reference of the Office of the Ombudsman. 

The NCC Ombudsman aims to hold the NCC accountable for its policies, processes, actions (inactions) and decisions. The office of the NCC Ombudsman is independent of NCC management, with a mandate to investigate or intervene when a member of the public is unable to resolve their concerns directly with the NCC. The NCC Ombudsman reports regularly to the NCC Board of Directors.

The NCC Ombudsman is impartial, which means that we will listen carefully and with an open mind to concerns and complaints raised with our office, without advocating for any individual or for the NCC. When deemed appropriate, the NCC Ombudsman will intervene or investigate with a view to resolving complaints and assessing fairness.

History of the NCC Ombudsman

In 2006, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, proposed a review of the mandate of the NCC by an independent panel. The panel recommended that an ombudsman position be created, appointed by, and reporting the NCC Board of Directors (the Board). Discussions were held with the Board and the public consulted on the establishment of this new position. 

In October 2007, the Board approved the creation of an external Ombudsman reporting directly to the Board. The Terms of Reference of the Office of the Ombudsman were approved by the Board in December 2008. In September 2008, Laura Bruneau was appointed as the first official NCC Ombudsman. The office opened in April 2009. 

In October 2025, Brent Epperson, Heather McGhee Peggs, and Julie Boncompain (JustEquitable Inc.) were appointed as the NCC Ombudsman team, replacing Oriana Trombetti who had served in the role since December 2020.