Ombudsman Saskatchewan says an investigation is underway after documents relating to Ombudsman Saskatchewan were recently found in a recycling bin in Regina. The organization has been conducting an investigation about the information that was recovered and says it takes public trust very seriously.

Sharon Pratchler, Saskatchewan’s Ombudsman says, “One of the pivotal foundations of our office, since its inception in 1973, is that of maintaining the confidentiality of our citizens.”

Ombudsman Saskatchewan was informed about the documents on September 6, 2023, and retrieved the documents, which were related to 21 individuals from September of 1996 to April of 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 that the documents were placed in the recycling bin after the clean-up of a home. The residence was that of a former practicum student who had worked in the office during 1996-97.