What We Do
The Ombudsman investigates complaints about services provided by the government of Ontario and its organizations. He also conducts systemic investigations on important issues about government services, which can affect large numbers of people. Under the Ombudsman Act, individuals as well as government officials and staff working in government organizations are required to co-operate with the Ombudsman and provide information during an investigation. Many cases brought to the Ombudsman are resolved informally through contact with government ministries and organizations.
When the Ombudsman identifies a problem in how the government has treated an individual, he can report on it and make recommendations to correct the problem for that person. He can also make recommendations to change government policies and practices to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future and to improve the system for others.
The Ombudsman’s high-profile Special Ombudsman Response Team (SORT) cases have resulted in improved government services for citizens across Ontario, including reforms to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and Legal Aid Ontario. The province’s screening of newborn babies for inherited diseases has been expanded, compensation for victims of crime was improved, and parents seeking residential care for special needs children are no longer forced to give up custody to children’s aid societies.