Recently we received an inquiry which we referred to the BC Ombudsperson. We thought providing some information about this organization would be helpful to our blog readers.
What do they do?
The BC Ombudsperson addresses inquiries and complaints about the practices and services provided by public agencies. If a complaint appears to fall within their jurisdiction, the BC Ombudsperson has the ability to conduct full investigations. Their website states that investigations are both impartial and confidential. Here are some of the areas they oversee:
- Provincial government ministries
- Crown corporations such as ICBC and BC Hydro
- Hospitals, schools and universities
- Self-regulating professions such as the Law Society, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Nurses Association of BC
Their website has a more complete list of topics and agencies within the jurisdiction or outside of the jurisdiction of the BC Ombudsperson.
How to submit your complaint
If you have an inquiry or complaint, we recommend that you always try to resolve your complaint directly with the organization first. Keep records of who you spoke with, when you spoke with them, and the details of your conversation. If you feel as though your problem has not been resolved, it may be time to contact the BC Ombudsperson’s office. They have an online complaint form as well as a toll-free phone number: 1-800-567-3247. Their website is also very useful and easy to navigate and I encourage all consumers to visit it to find out more about what they do. Here is a link to their website: http://www.ombudsman.bc.ca/.
We hope this is a helpful resource for you!
I recently bought a pair of hearing aids for $4900. I was told that I could try them and if I didn’t want them I could return them for a full refund. When I decided I didn’t want them I was told I had paid with interac so they had to refund by interac. When the interac refund was denied the secretary called the ‘head office’ who apparently told her the refund could only be done by interac because the purchase was made by interac. The secretary offered no clear explanation (nor did the hearing instrument practitioner who was party to the conversation). Finally she said that I would have to wait five to six weeks for the refund at which time a cheque would be mailed for the full amount. I asked for the number of the head office and was given a card with the name of the practitioner and the name ‘Julie’ written in for the contact person. I said this was not acceptable and the secretary said she would tell them to “put a rush on it”.
Good morning Elaine — This sounds frustrating. Did you find out the reason why the Interac refund was denied? Was it denied by your bank, or the business? If it was your bank, perhaps give them a call and explain the situation and see if they can help? I hope you get this situation worked out quickly, Elaine.
Yes, keep trying to reach the head office. If the amount is an issue, I wonder if they’d be willing to split it over two different refund transactions? Just a thought…
Hi Malaina,
I was told that their machine couldn’t process so much money (nearly $5,000). I was given a card to the main office and left a message yesterday. They didn’t call back. My son sent an email to the head office as well asking that they resolve the refund today but there was no response their either. I will try to call the store again. Thanks for the response.