A significant change includes creation of an Information and Privacy Adjudicator. Ron Perozzo, who is already the province's conflict-of-interest commissioner, was named Manitoba's first Privacy Adjudicator.

"The Ombudsman rarely makes a formal recommendation relating to a complaint investigation because we are able to informally resolve complaints with public bodies and trustees, or we find that their decisions comply," said Manitoba Ombudsman Irene Hamilton. "However, in those unusual situations where a public body or trustee does not follow my recommendations, I will be able to forward matters to the Adjudicator for his review and decision."

"The adjudicator will strengthen a system that gives Manitobans access to information they need while protecting their privacy," said Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino Marcelino. "We are acting on what Manitobans advised us to do in establishing a commission and updating our regulations."

The adjudicator will have power to issue binding orders to the government or other public bodies such as municipalities, school divisions or regional health authorities if they don't follow recommendations made by the Ombudsman.