##  [ombudsman (Linguistic recommendation from the Translation Bureau)](/writing-tips-plus/ombudsman-ombudsperson)

## Avertissement

Ce contenu est présenté en français dans l’article [ombudsman (Recommandation linguistique du Bureau de la traduction)](/fr/cles-de-la-redaction/ombudsman).

## On this page

- [Background](#background)
- [*Ombudsman* in English](#english)
- [English plural](#plurale)
- [Other terms in use in English](#othere)
- [*Ombudsman* in French](#french)
- [French plural](#pluralf)
- [Other terms in use in French](#otherf)

The purpose of this recommendation is to standardize the use of the term **ombudsman** in the federal public service.

## Background

The concept of the ombudsman originated in Sweden in 1809 when the parliament created the position of a neutral and independent “people’s agent” to represent citizens in conflict with the government. The word *ombudsman* comes from the Swedish words *ombud*, meaning “delegate,” and *man*, in the sense of “human being.”

Today, an ombudsman’s duties may include the following:

- defending the rights of citizens by investigating complaints in the public and private sectors
- listening to and supporting employees dealing with equity or mental health issues
- assisting victims of crime
- providing information, advice and mechanisms for resolving grievances and disputes fairly and effectively

## *Ombudsman* in English

In the federal public service, the Translation Bureau recommends the use of the borrowed term **ombudsman**, regardless of the gender of the person who holds the position. For example:

- The role of ombudsman requires impartiality and fairness.
- This province appointed its first woman ombudsman in the 1980s.
- The number of complaints submitted to the Office of the Mental Health Ombudsman dropped this year.

### English plural

The recommended plural form in English is **ombudsmen**. For example:

- A group of consumer ombudsmen are gathered to discuss best practices.
- The ombudsman association is seeking women ombudsmen to mentor other women interested in the role.

## Other terms in use in English

While we recommend the use of the term **ombudsman** in the federal public service, other terms are also correct. For example, when the person in the position is female, **ombudswoman** is sometimes used. The singular word **ombudsperson** and the singular forms **ombud** and **ombuds** are also sometimes used as gender-neutral and inclusive terms. Note that the plural of **ombud** is **ombuds** and the plural of **ombuds** is also **ombuds**.

## *Ombudsman* in French

In the federal public service, the Translation Bureau recommends the use of the borrowed term *ombudsman*, regardless of the gender of the person who holds the position. For example:

- Je suis heureuse d’avoir été nommée ombudsman de la santé mentale de notre ministère.
- Ce rapport fait état des recommandations formulées par l’ombudsman des contribuables.
- Veuillez adresser vos commentaires au Bureau de l’ombudsman des vétérans.

### French plural

The recommended plural form in French is *ombudsmans*. For example:

- Ces ombudsmans sont appelées à résoudre des différends de nature commerciale.
- Les ombudsmans examinent les plaintes du public.

## Other terms in use in French

While we recommend the use of the term *ombudsman* in the federal public service, different terms may be used in other contexts. The term *ombud* is considered correct, although it is not the form recommended for use in the federal public service.

Other terms may be used to refer to an individual’s role in relation to a specific clientele. These terms often represent only one of the various duties that may be carried out by an ombudsman. They are usually compound terms formed from the following words:

- **protecteur** (for example: protecteur du citoyen)
- **défenseur** (for example: défenseur des droits de la personne)
- **médiateur** (for example: médiateur de l’Université)

The word *ombudspersonne*, sometimes used by analogy to the English term *ombudsperson*, should be avoided in French. The ending *-personne* is not customarily used in French job titles.

##  Avis de droit d’auteur pour l’outil Writing Tips Plus

© Sa Majesté le Roi du chef du Canada, représenté par le ou la ministre des Services publics et de l’Approvisionnement
Un outil créé et mis en ligne par le Bureau de la traduction, Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada

## Rechercher par thèmes connexes

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- [Vocabulary](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A500#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results)
- [Loan words and word origin](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B0%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A500&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A506#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results)

## Liens connexes

- [Writing Tips Plus](/fr/writing-tips-plus/index-fra) (page d’accueil)
- [Outils d’aide à la rédaction](/fr/outils-tools/index-fra)
- [Navigateur linguistique](/fr/navigateur-navigator) (permet de trouver rapidement des conseils linguistiques)
- [TERMIUM Plus®](http://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-fra.html?lang=fra)