Mr. Peter Hourihan sworn in as Alberta’s eighth Ombudsman this morning

“Today we officially welcome Mr. Peter Hourihan as Alberta’s eighth Ombudsman and an officer of the Legislature. Mr. Hourihan is now the recognized leader for independent investigation, promotion and support of administrative fairness in the province, said Hon. Ken Kowalski, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. “Mr. Hourihan’s extensive experience with law enforcement and commitment to community involvement will serve him well in his new position.”

Over the course of his 35-year career with the RCMP Mr. Hourihan worked in a variety of policing roles throughout Canada, including general duty, traffic, commercial crime, proceeds of crime, northern policing, corporate management and criminal operations.

Mr. Hourihan has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Athabasca University and a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Ottawa. He is a recipient of the long-service medal, the bronze clasp and the silver clasp for his service with the RCMP. He has also received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal.

A nonpartisan officer of the Legislature, the Ombudsman promotes fairness in public administration and investigates complaints from individuals regarding unfair actions or decisions made by provincial departments, agencies, boards or commissions and some professional bodies.

Mr. Hourihan was sworn in at a ceremony hosted by Speaker Kowalski in the Carillon Room of the Legislature Building at 10 a.m. this morning.