However, the ombudsman is also authorized to conduct investigations. He can call witnesses, both for the government and for the complainant, to report on whether or not the department, an employee or someone else is guilty of an abuse, whether voluntary or involuntary. The ombudsman's role is that of public protector. My concern, first and foremost, is that he must report to Parliament and to parliamentarians, not to the department, because it is difficult to bite the hand that feeds us.
Secondly, what kind of mandate should the ombudsman be given? Should he serve for a five-year, ten-year, two-year, or eight-year term? Do you have an opinion on that?