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December 11, 2023

11 December 2023

Ombudsman to investigate direct education payment programs

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced a new systemic investigation into the Ministry of Education’s direct payment programs for parents and students, due to concerns about a lack of fairness and transparency.

December 7, 2023

7 December 2023

French Language Services Commissioner reports robust results for Francophones and 40% increase in cases

Carl Bouchard’s first report calls on government to improve staff training and ensure bilingual social media accounts

December 4, 2023

4 December 2023

Ombudsman appoints Carl Bouchard as French Language Services Commissioner of Ontario

After an extensive nationwide search to fill the position of French Language Services Commissioner on a permanent basis, Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced that he has appointed Carl Bouchard to the role.

October 12, 2023

12 October 2023

Statement from Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé for Ombuds Day, October 12

Today is Ombuds Day, an annual, internationally observed opportunity to educate and raise awareness among the public about Ombudsman offices like ours – the roles we play, the services we offer, and most importantly, the value we provide.

October 5, 2023

5 October 2023

Ombudsman underlines value of independent oversight

Annual Report 2022-2023: Promoting rights and fairness for vulnerable youth, long-term care residents, inmates, landlords and tenants, Francophones and more

September 29, 2023

29 September 2023

Ombudsman's message for National Day of Truth and reconciliation, September 30, 2023

It is essential that as a province, and as a nation, we continue to recognize the tragic effects of residential schools on the Indigenous children who attended those schools, and on the survivors who continue to live with those experiences.

September 25, 2023

25 September 2023

Message from Interim Commissioner for Franco-Ontarian Day

On this Franco-Ontarian Day, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the major milestones that Francophones have seen so far in 2023.

September 7, 2023

7 September 2023

Long-term care inspection system collapsed during deadly first weeks of COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario Ombudsman finds

Ministry of Long-Term Care accepts all recommendations to improve preparedness for next crisis

July 6, 2023

6 July 2023

French Language Services Commissioner to investigate unilingual government out-of-home advertising

Apparent absence of French in billboards and electronic panels raises concerns

June 7, 2023

7 June 2023

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé welcomes colleagues from across Canada for annual fairness talks

This week, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé welcomed ombudsman colleagues from Canadian provinces and territories for the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman (CCPO), held at his office in downtown Toronto.

May 4, 2023

4 May 2023

Ombudsman calls for legislative change, overhaul of “moribund” Landlord and Tenant Board

Paul Dubé: Severe backlogs and delays denied justice to landlords and tenants alike

April 13, 2023

13 April 2023

Child welfare agencies failed to ensure safety of Indigenous girl at risk of human trafficking, Ombudsman finds

Three agencies in northern and southern Ontario accept all 58 recommendations

March 27, 2023

27 March 2023

Ombudsman to investigate cases of people with developmental disabilities who are inappropriately housed in hospitals

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced a new investigation into the plight of adults with developmental disabilities who are inappropriately housed in hospital due to a lack of supports and services in the community.

March 8, 2023

8 March 2023

Statement from Carl Bouchard, Interim French Language Services Commissioner

March is a month of great importance for Francophones in Ontario, in Canada and in the world. We celebrate the Francophonie around the world, its dynamism, its diversity, its richness and its promising future.

March 8, 2023

8 March 2023

Statement from Ombudsman Paul Dubé re Interim Commissioner

I want to express my thanks to Carl Bouchard for accepting the role of Interim French Language Services Commissioner.

March 3, 2023

3 March 2023

Ombudsman announces search for new French Language Services Commissioner

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced he is launching a search for a new French Language Services Commissioner.

December 19, 2022

19 December 2022

Children’s Aid Society of Toronto repeatedly failed to comply with child protection standards and act in child’s best interests: Ombudsman

All recommendations accepted after investigation finds boy’s voice was “unheard and unheeded” for years

December 7, 2022

7 December 2022

French Language Services Commissioner reports “important advancements” in 2021-2022

Kelly Burke: More than 1,000 cases resolved since May 2019 –  “I am proud of the work we have accomplished”

August 10, 2022

10 August 2022

Increase in cases means help for more Ontarians: Ombudsman

Annual Report 2021-2022: Broader public sector, child welfare and landlord/tenant issues among top areas of concern

April 26, 2022

26 April 2022

Ombudsman calls for transparency, consultation in planning youth custody and detention program closures

Investigation reveals “significant flaws” in secretive operation that left affected youths and Indigenous communities in the dark

March 31, 2022

31 March 2022

Laurentian University and province failed to protect French programs from cuts during restructuring, Commissioner reports

Kelly Burke: University and two ministries must do more to ensure the French Language Services Act is respected

December 7, 2021

7 December 2021

French Language Services Commissioner recommends assessment tool to aid government in protecting Ontario’s “linguistic health”

Equivalent service in French and a positive experience for Francophones often lacking in 2020-2021, Kelly Burke reports

September 29, 2021

29 September 2021

Ombudsman’s message for Truth and Reconciliation Day, September 30, 2021

Today is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to remember and commemorate the thousands of Indigenous children who were taken away from their communities and forced to attend residential schools – and the many who never returned home.

September 25, 2021

25 September 2021

Statement from the Commissioner on Franco-Ontarian Day 2021

Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, we have all been called upon to play an important role in protecting our individual and collective health.

June 28, 2021

28 June 2021

Ombudsman’s Annual Report stresses “essential” oversight of public sector in pandemic, highlights improvements and gaps

In handling 20,015 cases, watchdog “ensured transparency, accountability, fairness and respect for people’s rights”

June 16, 2021

16 June 2021

French Language Services Commissioner to investigate cuts at Laurentian University

First formal investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman under the French Language Services Act

May 26, 2021

26 May 2021

Ombudsman and counterparts urge fairness in vaccine certification approaches

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé is joining his counterparts from across Canada in urging that provincial and territorial governments considering vaccine passports do so with fairness and caution.

May 20, 2021

20 May 2021

Ombudsman recommends overhauling “complicated, overburdened” ambulance oversight system to protect patient safety

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today called on the Ministry of Health to improve its processes for investigating complaints about ambulance services, in a report that reveals a system that is complicated, overburdened, and wholly inadequate.

April 12, 2021

12 April 2021

Ombudsman Paul Dubé to receive Ontario Bar Association award for excellence in public sector law

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé has been named this year’s winner of the Ontario Bar Association’s Tom Marshall Award of Excellence for Public Sector Lawyers, honouring his contributions to public sector law in Ontario.

March 16, 2021

16 March 2021

Ombudsman to investigate complaints about two youth justice centre closures

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced that his office has launched an investigation into complaints related to the government’s abrupt closures of two youth justice centres in Kenora and Thunder Bay.

December 10, 2020

10 December 2020

Commissioner calls on all Ontario ministries to produce plans to improve French language services

Kelly Burke's vision: "Equivalent service, without delay (s’il vous plaît)"

September 10, 2020

10 September 2020

Ontario Ombudsman appoints new Director, Special Ombudsman Response Team

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced the promotion of Domonie Pierre to the position of Director, Special Ombudsman Response Team (SORT), effective September 14.

June 30, 2020

30 June 2020

Ombudsman reports on 2019-2020 – “A year like no other”

Releasing his latest Annual Report today, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé reflected on the stunning and ongoing challenges faced by the province’s public sector due to the coronavirus pandemic.

June 1, 2020

1 June 2020

Ontario Ombudsman to investigate government’s oversight of long-term care homes during pandemic

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today launched an investigation into the oversight of long-term care homes by the province’s Ministry of Long-Term Care and Ministry of Health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

May 1, 2020

1 May 2020

Ombudsman marks one year of oversight of French language services and children and youth in care

Hundreds of cases provide “unique opportunity” to promote rights.

April 9, 2020

9 April 2020

Ombudsman handling hundreds of complaints during coronavirus state of emergency

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today stressed that his office continues to help Ontarians during the present state of emergency, and has responded to hundreds of public complaints related to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

April 9, 2020

9 April 2020

Statement by the Ombudsman: Our service to citizens during the coronavirus emergency

In accordance with the guidance of public health authorities and the provincial government, the office locations of Ombudsman Ontario have been closed since March 16. Despite this, my staff and I continue to work from home during the provincial state of emergency and remain available to assist the people of Ontario.

March 26, 2020

26 March 2020

Statement by Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé on COVID-19 and Ontario’s correctional facilities

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today released the following statement regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the province’s correctional facilities.

March 23, 2020

23 March 2020

Statement by the Ombudsman: COVID-19 – Message to the public

As I write this, Ontario is in an unprecedented state of emergency, due to the global outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Millions of people are working from home and practicing “social distancing” as frontline health care workers and public sector leaders work to contain the outbreak and ensure that tests and treatment are available for those who need them.

March 23, 2020

23 March 2020

Statement by the French Language Services Commissioner: On the 50th International Francophonie Day and current issues

On March 20, 2020, we marked the 50th International Francophonie Day. Did you know that French is the fifth most spoken language in the world? According to the International Organization of La Francophonie, which brings together 88 states and governments including Ontario, approximately 300 million people on five continents speak French.

March 13, 2020

13 March 2020

Statement by French Language Services Commissioner Kelly Burke on the coronavirus

Health is a priority sector. For francophones and francophiles, French language services are essential to remaining informed and obtaining the care they need in the language of their choice. It is important that our health care professionals have access to proper tools and trainings to offer French language services.

February 12, 2020

12 February 2020

Ombudsman Paul Dubé supports Venice Principles, strong legal foundation for ombudsman institutions

Speaking to colleagues from across Canada and around the world, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé this week welcomed new international standards that define, promote and protect the role of ombudsmen in strengthening democracy and promoting fundamental rights.

January 23, 2020

23 January 2020

Statement by French Language Services Commissioner Kelly Burke re L’Université de l’Ontario français

Ontario French Language Services Commissioner Kelly Burke today made the following statement regarding news that the federal and Ontario governments have agreed to jointly fund a new French-language university in Ontario (L’Université de l’Ontario français).

January 13, 2020

13 January 2020

Ombudsman appoints Kelly Burke as new French Language Services Commissioner

Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced that Ms. Kelly Burke has joined his office as Ontario’s new French Language Services Commissioner. Ms. Burke, an Assistant Deputy Minister and lawyer with several years’ experience in senior roles within the Ontario Public Service, including the Ministry of Francophone Affairs, begins work in her new position this morning.

January 9, 2020

9 January 2020

Ontario Ombudsman to investigate delays at Landlord and Tenant Board

In the wake of a recent surge in complaints, Ombudsman Dubé today announced an investigation into serious delays at the LTB, the administrative tribunal that resolves residential tenancy disputes.

December 30, 2019

30 December 2019

Statement by the Ombudsman: Looking back on 2019 and ahead to 2020

As we close 2019 and look ahead to a new decade, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the recent historic changes to the Ombudsman’s Office, and to discuss our priorities for 2020.

November 29, 2019

29 November 2019

Ombudsman finds Niagara CAO hiring was "inside job"

Regional council accepts all recommendations for reform

October 31, 2019

31 October 2019

Ombudsman’s confidential report on Niagara CAO hiring to be viewed by council Nov. 14

Final report will be published after response is received, per Ombudsman Act.

October 4, 2019

4 October 2019

Hamilton committee’s out-of-town meetings to hire city manager did not violate law, Ombudsman finds

But open portion of first meeting was “illegally closed” to public.

August 15, 2019

15 August 2019

Ontario Ombudsman launches nationwide search for French Language Services Commissioner

Expert panel to assist in process; Ombudsman Dubé to act as commissioner in interim.

July 17, 2019

17 July 2019

School consolidation decision process should be redone, Ombudsman tells Near North school board

Investigation reveals meeting and details that were never made public.

June 26, 2019

26 June 2019

International language commissioners gather in Toronto: Ontario Ombudsman hosts conference on linguistic rights, June 26-27

Language commissioners, ombudsmen and language rights experts from around the world are gathered in downtown Toronto this morning for the sixth annual conference of the International Association of Language Commissioners (IALC). The conference coincides with the 50th anniversary of Canada’s Official Languages Act and the United Nations’ declaration of 2019 as the Year of Indigenous Languages.

June 25, 2019

25 June 2019

2018-2019 Annual Report: Ombudsman records one of “busiest years” in office’s history

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today reported on an historic year in which his office handled a 30% surge in complaints and saw its mandate expanded for the second time in four years.
 

May 1, 2019

1 May 2019

Ombudsman can now take complaints about children’s aid societies and French language services

Cases and investigations to be handled by two new specialized units.

April 12, 2019

12 April 2019

Ombudsman prepares for expanded oversight of child protection and French language services

New organizational chart, new funding for new responsibilities.

April 5, 2019

5 April 2019

Ombudsman releases plan for new French language services unit

New oversight of French language services and child protection begins May 1.

March 15, 2019

15 March 2019

Ombudsman to host international language conference June 26-27

(TORONTO – March 15, 2019) – Join Ombudsman Paul Dubé, as well as ombudsmen, language commissioners and language rights experts from around the world at a conference in June discussing the protection and promotion of linguistic minorities.

February 28, 2019

28 February 2019

Statement by Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé on segregation of inmates and Adam Capay case

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today released the following statement in light of the release of Justice John Fregau’s decision to stay proceedings against Adam Capay, the 26-year-old man who spent more than four years in solitary confinement (segregation) awaiting trial in Thunder Bay and Kenora.

February 21, 2019

21 February 2019

Ombudsman releases first plans for new child and youth mandate

New units will handle oversight of child protection and French language services.

January 25, 2019

25 January 2019

Ombudsman releases new tools to promote municipal transparency

Open meeting guide and digital case digest reflect decade of reports

December 31, 2018

31 December 2018

New mandate, new challenges: Ombudsman reflects on 2018 and year ahead

In his year-end message, reviewing his office’s work in 2018, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé notes that historic changes will make the next year even more remarkable.
 

December 6, 2018

6 December 2018

Ontario Ombudsman’s mandate expanded

New legislation transfers jurisdiction over child protection system and French language services.

October 31, 2018

31 October 2018

Ombudsman reviewing more than 1,000 complaints about Ontario Cannabis Store

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today confirmed that his office has received more than 1,000 complaints about the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) since it opened October 17. Most are from customers frustrated with delayed deliveries, billing problems and poor customer service.

September 27, 2018

27 September 2018

Ombudsman targets province’s driver licence suspension system - Ministry agrees to modernize cumbersome, confusing notification process

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today called on the Ministry of Transportation to overhaul the way it notifies drivers whose licences are suspended for unpaid fines – a process his investigation found to be unreasonable, unjust and wrong.

September 18, 2018

18 September 2018

Ombudsman assessing new complaints about OPP handling of officers’ operational stress injuries and suicide

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé has directed staff to assess new complaints and issues related to suicides and operational stress injuries among Ontario Provincial Police officers, to determine whether or not a follow-up investigation is warranted.

August 30, 2018

30 August 2018

Ontario Ombudsman to investigate Niagara region CAO hiring and related issues

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced he will conduct a formal investigation into matters related to the hiring of the Regional Municipality of Niagara’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

July 18, 2018

18 July 2018

Niagara Region infringed journalist’s rights: Ombudsman

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today called on the Regional Municipality of Niagara to apologize publicly to a local journalist and a citizen blogger for seizing their property and ejecting them from a council meeting last December. The region’s actions were unreasonable, unjust, wrong and contrary to law, Mr. Dubé’s investigation found.
 

June 27, 2018

27 June 2018

Ombudsman details benefits of independent oversight Annual Report 2017-2018

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today cited improvements in accountability and bureaucratic leadership in several public sector bodies as a measure of how independent offices like his can make public services better.

May 11, 2018

11 May 2018

Ontario Ombudsman again nominated as one of Canada’s most influential lawyers

For the second straight year, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé is among the nominees for Canadian Lawyer magazine’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada.

May 1, 2018

1 May 2018

Ombudsman to investigate province’s handling of ambulance service complaints

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced an investigation into how the province oversees patient complaints and incident reports about ambulance services.

April 11, 2018

11 April 2018

Township should apologize, forgive property owner’s $11,700 debt

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today called on the Township of St. Clair to apologize to a resident for surprising her with a bill for $11,700.63 in by-law enforcement expenses that it had no legal authority to charge.

April 3, 2018

3 April 2018

Ombudsman welcomes province’s commitment to improving police de-escalation training

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today welcomed a news release from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, confirming it is taking steps to transform how police use force across the province, as he recommended in a 2016 report.

February 22, 2018

22 February 2018

Ombudsman calls for amendments to policing bill to ensure effective civilian oversight

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today flagged several gaps in the province’s proposed new policing legislation, warning that they could undermine its promise of stronger civilian oversight of police.

February 21, 2018

21 February 2018

Ombudsman welcomes new legislation to reform correctional services, segregation

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today welcomed new legislation that promises to incorporate many of his recommendations to reform correctional services in the province, particularly the placement and monitoring of inmates in solitary confinement -- officially known as segregation.

December 29, 2017

29 December 2017

The Ombudsman's Top 10 Stories of 2017

Ombudsman Paul Dubé’s second year in office was distinguished by our first-ever investigations in the broader public sector (related to municipalities and school boards), important reforms in correctional services and policing, and connecting with a wider range of stakeholders than ever before. Here’s our annual top 10 list of key developments in the past year.

December 29, 2017

29 December 2017

Ombudsman promotes changes to Municipal Act : New rules for open meetings as of New Year’s Day

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today shared new resources to inform municipal councils and their constituents about changes to the open meeting rules that take effect on New Year’s Day.
 

December 14, 2017

14 December 2017

Ombudsman to investigate incident at Niagara council meeting

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today informed the Regional Municipality of Niagara that he will conduct a formal investigation into an incident at a council meeting on December 7, when a journalist and a citizen blogger were reportedly asked to leave the premises and had their property seized.

November 2, 2017

2 November 2017

Statement by Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé on announcement of new policing legislation

The new package of policing legislation tabled by the government today is a welcome response to numerous recommendations my office has made to improve the oversight and accountability of policing in Ontario.

August 10, 2017

10 August 2017

Boards mishandled school bus driver shortage, Ombudsman finds; Recommendations accepted, improvements in place for new school year

Toronto’s two largest school boards have taken steps to prevent another bus driver shortage this fall, after an investigation by Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé revealed their “actions and inactions” led to thousands of students being stranded as school began last September.

June 27, 2017

27 June 2017

Ombudsman lauds new era of oversight - Annual Report 2016-2017

Greater oversight of public sector bodies will improve accountability and services to Ontarians, provided it is consistent and effective, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé notes today in his latest Annual Report, marking the first full year of his term and his office’s expanded mandate.

June 2, 2017

2 June 2017

Ombudsman nominated as one of Canada’s most influential lawyers

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé is among the nominees for Canadian Lawyer magazine’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada.

May 31, 2017

31 May 2017

Ombudsman finds municipality’s trespass order against councillor unjust and excessive

Barring a councillor from the local town hall for more than two years is “excessive and unjustly punitive,” Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé has found in his first investigation of a complaint about a municipality.

May 24, 2017

24 May 2017

Ombudsman to investigate communication of driver’s licence suspensions and reinstatements

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced an investigation into how the province communicates licence suspensions and reinstatements to drivers who were suspended for unpaid fines, in the wake of several complaints by drivers – some of whom had no idea their licences were invalid.

April 20, 2017

20 April 2017

Ombudsman calls for clear new law, strong oversight of inmate segregation

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today called on the province to reform its flawed system of placing and tracking inmates in solitary confinement, after his latest investigation revealed numerous issues putting vulnerable people at risk.

March 6, 2017

6 March 2017

Ombudsman clears Brampton in procurement investigation, calls for improvements to optimize transparency and accountability

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé’s investigation into non-competitive procurements in the city of Brampton found no evidence of maladministration, but identified several ways the city could improve its practices.

December 30, 2016

30 December 2016

Ombudsman’s top 10 stories of 2016

It’s been a year of historic change for our office, as the Ombudsman’s mandate doubled and we were able to help Ontarians with a whole new range of issues in the broader public sector. Here are 10 of the key developments of the past year.

December 29, 2016

29 December 2016

Ontario Ombudsman marks one year of oversight of municipalities and universities

As the new year approaches, the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman is set to mark one year of oversight of municipalities and universities. Since the historic new jurisdiction took effect Jan. 1, the office has received some 3,176 public complaints and inquiries about municipalities, and 232 about universities.

December 2, 2016

2 December 2016

Ombudsman to investigate segregation process in Ontario jails

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced an investigation into how the province tracks and reviews the placement of inmates in solitary confinement in its correctional facilities, in light of serious issues raised in an increasing number of complaints.

November 2, 2016

2 November 2016

Ombudsman reports on first year of expanded mandate; pledges continued effectiveness as agent of positive change Annual Report 2015-2016

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today released the first annual report of his office’s new, expanded mandate, which was doubled in the past year to include more than 1,000 public sector organizations – provincial government bodies, municipalities, universities and school boards.

October 27, 2016

27 October 2016

Police oversight reform long overdue: Ombudsman

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today released his submission to the province’s Independent Police Oversight Review, calling for new legislation to make police oversight bodies more effective, accountable and transparent.   

September 26, 2016

26 September 2016

Ombudsman to investigate Toronto school busing issues

Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced his office will conduct a systemic investigation into recent school busing problems at the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board.

September 9, 2016

9 September 2016

Ombudsman to assess Toronto school busing issues

After hearing about problems with busing of students in the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé has directed staff to assess the issues to determine whether or not a systemic investigation is warranted.

September 6, 2016

6 September 2016

Ontario Ombudsman marks one year of school board oversight

As the new school year begins, the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman is marking one year of oversight of school boards, after receiving 701 complaints and inquiries in the first year of its new mandate.

August 24, 2016

24 August 2016

Ombudsman calls for systemic overhaul to help adults with developmental disabilities in crisis

Province accepts 60 recommendations to fix chronic service gaps.

June 29, 2016

29 June 2016

Ombudsman urges province to ensure police are trained in de-escalation

Leadership long overdue in teaching alternatives to lethal force.

May 25, 2016

25 May 2016

Ombudsman to investigate Brampton procurement practices

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced an investigation into the city of Brampton’s procurement practices, focusing on the administration of its purchasing by-laws, policies and procedures regarding non-competitive procurements.

May 19, 2016

19 May 2016

Reports on two Ombudsman investigations in final stages

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé confirmed today that he expects to release reports on two of his office’s in-depth systemic investigations in June and July, once required processes are complete.

May 10, 2016

10 May 2016

Abolish indefinite segregation: Ombudsman

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today urged the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to abolish the practice of placing inmates indefinitely in segregation and develop alternatives to protect the rights of the vulnerable.

April 1, 2016

1 April 2016

New Ontario Ombudsman takes office

New Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé took his oath of office today, beginning a five-year term as the province’s independent, impartial watchdog. Mr. Dubé is the province’s seventh Ombudsman since the office was established in 1975.

February 17, 2016

17 February 2016

New Ontario Ombudsman to start April 1: Mr. Paul Dubé

Mr. J. Paul Dubé of Ottawa has been appointed as Ontario’s seventh Ombudsman for a five-year term, to begin April 1, 2016. His appointment by an all-party committee of the Legislative Assembly was announced yesterday and approved by unanimous vote in the Legislature.

December 31, 2015

31 December 2015

Ombudsman begins taking complaints about Ontario municipalities and universities on New Year’s Day

Beginning tomorrow – January 1, 2016 – the Ontario Ombudsman is officially able to take complaints about the province’s 444 municipalities and 21 publicly funded universities. This historic expansion of the Ombudsman’s mandate is the result of the Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act, 2014, which also extended the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction to school boards on September 1, 2015.

December 31, 2015

31 December 2015

The Ontario Ombudsman’s Top 10 Things to Know for 2016

A year-end Top 10 list is an annual tradition here at the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman. As we wrap up our milestone 40th year and welcome an historic expansion of our mandate on January 1, Acting Ombudsman Barbara Finlay has designed this list to help Ontarians get to know us better. Without further ado, here are her Top 10 Things To Know for 2016.​

December 16, 2015

16 December 2015

Ombudsman reports progress in municipal transparency, encourages local accountability officers

A new era of local government accountability begins January 1 when the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman takes on full oversight of municipalities, Acting Ombudsman Barbara Finlay said today in releasing the Office’s latest report.

December 4, 2015

4 December 2015

Ombudsman closes last Hydro One case – oversight ends today

The Office of the Ontario Ombudsman has closed its last Hydro One case, as the utility no longer comes under the watchdog’s scrutiny, Acting Ombudsman Barbara Finlay announced today.

October 30, 2015

30 October 2015

Ombudsman’s office marks 40 years of helping citizens, improving governance

Milestone coincides with historic expansion of mandate - The Office of the Ontario Ombudsman today celebrates 40 years of helping citizens resolve issues with the provincial government. The occasion comes as the office embarks on an historic expansion of its mandate – something the first Ombudsman began calling for in 1975.

September 24, 2015

24 September 2015

Ombudsman’s office releases submission on carding

The Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario today publicly released its submission to the government on the subject of police street checks. The submission was made in August as part of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services’ public consultation on the practice often known as “carding.”

September 16, 2015

16 September 2015

Acting Ombudsman of Ontario named

Barbara Finlay has been named acting Ombudsman of Ontario, pending the Legislative Assembly’s selection process to fill the position permanently. Ms. Finlay has served with the Ontario Ombudsman’s office since 2005 as Deputy Ombudsman and Director of Operations. She has previously worked as Director General of Operations for the National Defence and Canadian Forces Ombudsman, and as an Assistant Crown Attorney and part-time law professor.

September 8, 2015

8 September 2015

Ombudsman receives 50 complaints about school boards in first week of mandate; increase expected as classes begin

One week after new legislation enabling the Ontario Ombudsman to take complaints about school boards took effect, 50 people have complained about a diverse range of issues – a number expected to grow as Ontario children return to school today.

August 31, 2015

31 August 2015

Ombudsman begins taking complaints about school boards September 1

Beginning tomorrow, September 1, the Ontario Ombudsman is officially able to take complaints about the province’s 82 school boards. The historic new expansion of the Ombudsman’s mandate was granted with the passage of Bill 8, the Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act, 2014.

July 28, 2015

28 July 2015

Ombudsman marks decade of progress in 2014-2015 Annual Report

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today released his tenth annual report, marking the end of an historic year – and decade – that saw the largest investigation in the history of the office, the enactment of legislation extending the Ombudsman’s mandate to municipalities, school boards and universities, and an 86% increase in complaints received since 2009-2010.

June 5, 2015

5 June 2015

Information for new Hydro One complainants

As of June 4, 2015, the Ombudsman no longer has oversight of Hydro One. This oversight was removed in the passage of the Building Ontario Up Act (Budget Measures) 2015. If you have a new complaint about Hydro One, please refer to these options.

June 4, 2015

4 June 2015

Ombudsman no longer able to take Hydro One complaints

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today reminded customers of Hydro One that his office is no longer able to take complaints about the utility, now that royal assent has been given to Bill 91, the Building Ontario Up Act (Budget Measures) 2015.

May 25, 2015

25 May 2015

Ombudsman urges corporate culture overhaul, ongoing oversight of Hydro One

Egregious billing, customer service problems; Utility “lost sight of its public interest purpose”.

Ombudsman André Marin today called on Hydro One to overhaul its corporate culture to focus on customers and transparency, and urged the government to preserve independent oversight of the utility in the public interest.

May 21, 2015

21 May 2015

Ombudsman oversight coming soon to municipalities, universities and school boards

The public will be able to complain to the Ontario Ombudsman about school boards as of September 1, 2015, and about municipalities and universities as of January 1, 2016, now that the dates have been proclaimed for the relevant sections of the Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act to come into force.

May 14, 2015

14 May 2015

Statement from Ontario's Independent Legislative Officers

Ontario’s Independent Officers of the Legislative Assembly are calling on the provincial government to reverse plans in the Budget Bill that they believe will significantly reduce important oversight powers.

March 11, 2015

11 March 2015

Ombudsman receives 10,000+ complaints about Hydro One, urges utility to stop “cruel, deceitful” threats to customers

Investigation update: 4,075 cases resolved as systemic probe continues.

January 27, 2015

27 January 2015

Brighter days ahead for municipal accountability: Ombudsman

After seven years of “patchwork” enforcement and widespread confusion about the rules requiring them to hold open meetings, there is good news for Ontario municipalities and the citizens seeking to hold them accountable, Ontario Ombudsman André Marin says today in his latest report.

October 22, 2014

22 October 2014

Ontario Ombudsman finds children at risk in poorly monitored unlicensed daycares

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today called on the province to take urgent action to protect children in unlicensed daycares, after his latest investigation revealed systemic government ineptitude that has put them at risk for years.

April 30, 2014

30 April 2014

Improve monitoring of potentially unsafe drivers: Ombudsman. Province agrees to 19 recommendations to deal with medical conditions

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today urged the province to ensure safer roads by fixing numerous flaws in its systems for monitoring drivers with potentially dangerous medical conditions.

November 5, 2013

5 November 2013

Ombudsman appoints former police chiefs as advisors to de-escalation investigation

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today announced he has appointed two prominent former police chiefs as special advisors to his ongoing investigation into the direction provided by the province to police for de-escalating conflict situations.

June 20, 2013

20 June 2013

Ontario correctional officers should see report as a chance to improve working conditions: Ombudsman

In his latest report, released on June 11, Ontario Ombudsman André Marin revealed systemic problems with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services’ treatment of the use of excessive force in correctional institutions, which he said are troubled by a pervasive “code of silence” that has been festering for years.
 

June 11, 2013

11 June 2013

Ontario must crack “code of silence” among correctional officers involved in use of excessive force: Ombudsman

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today called on the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to crack the pervasive “code of silence” under which some guards in the province’s correctional institutions use excessive force against inmates and conspire to cover it up.

October 24, 2012

24 October 2012

Ontario and OPP failing to support police officers affected by operational stress injuries: Ombudsman

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today called on the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to take concrete action to support police officers across the province who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide and other forms of operational stress injuries.

December 14, 2011

14 December 2011

Government failing to support police watchdog: Ombudsman

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today renewed his call for effective legislation to support the province’s police watchdog, after his latest investigation found the responsible ministry has actively undermined it.

June 10, 2011

10 June 2011

Ombudsman welcomes regulation of non-emergency medical transfers

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today thanked the Ministries of Transportation and Health and Long-Term Care for acting on his recommendations and committing to regulate the industry that handles non-emergency transportation of hundreds of thousands of patients every year.

May 12, 2011

12 May 2011

Herceptin coverage extended – Ombudsman suspends investigation

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today suspended his investigation into the province’s limited funding of Herceptin, after the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care decided it would fund the drug for patients with breast cancer tumours of one centimetre in diameter or less.

February 23, 2011

23 February 2011

Ombudsman releases information on G20-related police complaints

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today released information on 112 complaints received by his Office about police conduct during the June 2010 G20 summit in Toronto. The information, requested by the Ontario Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) in the course of its ongoing investigations, was also tabled in the Legislature and posted on the Ombudsman’s website.

December 21, 2010

21 December 2010

Ombudsman finds delays, inconsistencies and lack of transparency in monitoring of long-term care homes

Ministry effort to address problems “a work in progress”.

December 9, 2010

9 December 2010

Ontario Ombudsman statement on G20 arrests and detentions

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today issued a brief additional statement about his special report Caught in the Act.  The statement addresses issues and questions surrounding the use of police powers granted by the province’s enactment of Regulation 233/10 under the Public Works Protection Act.

December 7, 2010

7 December 2010

Ombudsman finds G20 regulation of “dubious legality”; Citizens unfairly trapped by secret expansion of police powers

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services quietly promoted the use of a likely illegal regulation to grant police “extravagant” powers on the eve of the G20 summit, Ontario Ombudsman André Marin says in his latest report, released today.

August 10, 2010

10 August 2010

Ombudsman finds Hamilton-Niagara region LHIN’s “clandestine” meetings illegal; urges province to increase transparency of all LHINs

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today released the results of his latest special investigation, calling on the province to improve the accountability and transparency of Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) across the province.

November 29, 2009

29 November 2009

Ontario uncaps Avastin funding in wake of Ombudsman probe

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today welcomed the province’s announcement that it will uncap the funding of Avastin for colorectal cancer patients.  Mr. Marin recommended that the “absurd and indefensible” cap be lifted two months ago in his report, A Vast Injustice.

October 1, 2009

1 October 2009

Statement by Ontario Ombudsman André Marin on Avastin funding

Yesterday, I issued A Vast Injustice, a report on my investigation into the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s decision-making concerning the funding of Avastin for colorectal cancer patients.  The basic premise of my report is that although the Ministry is entitled to consider cost in deciding whether to fund a cancer drug such as Avastin, any limit on the duration of funding should be supported by sound medical evidence.

September 30, 2009

30 September 2009

Ministry decision to restrict cancer drug “verges on cruelty” - Ombudsman finds cap on Avastin funding unreasonable and wrong

The Ontario government’s funding cutoff for patients taking the cancer drug Avastin is unreasonable, wrong and “verges on cruelty,” Ontario Ombudsman André Marin’s latest investigation has found.

August 25, 2009

25 August 2009

Ontario Ombudsman urges stricter controls on colleges: Cambrian left students unqualified; Ministry “abdicated responsibility”

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today issued a strong back-to-school warning to the provincial government to keep a closer eye on colleges, to ensure students are getting the education they pay for.

July 14, 2009

14 July 2009

Ontario Ombudsman calls on government to better protect students: Ministry incompetence led to private career college “disaster”

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today  urged the province’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to get tougher on unscrupulous private career colleges.

April 29, 2009

29 April 2009

Ombudsman finds closed Oshawa meeting illegally involved lobbying, not just ‘education’

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin has found a city of Oshawa committee met inappropriately behind closed doors with a private business in a “lobbying” session that was supposed to be for “education and training” purposes only.

April 27, 2009

27 April 2009

Ontario Ombudsman censures Oshawa for "pirating" report

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today tabled a report signalling to municipalities that they must respect the law when they engage the services of his office.

September 30, 2008

30 September 2008

Special Investigations Unit must dispel “toothless tiger” image

Ombudsman investigation finds culture of complacency at SIU.

June 3, 2008

3 June 2008

Ombudsman calls for clarity on new home warranty program

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today called on the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services to clarify its relationship with Tarion Warranty Corp. in its communications with new homeowners and the general public.

February 26, 2008

26 February 2008

Ombudsman calls for new law to avert legal aid “fiascos”

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today called on the province to change the law to prevent further legal aid fiascos like the Richard Wills murder case.

February 26, 2008

26 February 2008

BACKGROUNDER - A Test of Wills Key Dates

A Test of Wills Key Dates.

April 13, 2007

13 April 2007

Ombudsman’s intervention resolves mental health services crisis

Traumatized children of Ontario soldiers serving in Afghanistan will get the mental health services they need in the wake of the latest investigation by Ombudsman André Marin.

March 26, 2007

26 March 2007

Ombudsman urges regulation of lotteries to restore trust, Province and OLG vow to act on recommendations

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today called on the provincial government to regulate its lottery system as it does other gaming activities, in the wake of his office’s special investigation into the problem of “insider” theft and fraud involving Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation ticket retailers.

February 27, 2007

27 February 2007

Ombudsman finds Ontario broke its promise to crime victims, Ministry of Attorney General acting contrary to law

Ontario’s compensation system for crime victims is hurting the very people it is supposed to help, Ombudsman André Marin says in his report released today, Adding Insult to Injury.

August 9, 2006

9 August 2006

Ontario’s Family Responsibility Office dropped the ball in collecting delinquent child support

In his most recent report titled, “It's All in the Name,” Ontario’s Ombudsman André Marin found that the Ontario Family Responsibility Office needs to accept greater responsibility for ensuring that the rights of Ontario’s Families are protected in the enforcement of support orders.

May 31, 2006

31 May 2006

Ontario’s most vulnerable are losing out

Ontario’s disabled have lost out on disability benefits to the tune of at least $6 million, as a result of delays in processing their applications for support by the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ Ontario Disability Support Program and the impact of a provincial regulation, which limited retroactive benefit payments to four months.

March 28, 2006

28 March 2006

MPAC in credibility crisis

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is experiencing a crisis of credibility and must take real and concrete steps to improve public confidence in the assessment system, Ombudsman André Marin said at a press conference announcing the release of his report on the investigation into the transparency of the property assessment process and the integrity and efficiency of decision-making at MPAC.

September 1, 2005

1 September 2005

Ombudsman finds Ministry bound by its own red tape

Bureaucratic obfuscation, errors, excuses and omissions are just some of the criticisms Ombudsman André Marin leveled at officials at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in his report titled, "From Hope to Despair".

April 25, 2005

25 April 2005

Children with severe disabilities focus of Ombudsman’s first Special Investigation

The Ombudsman of Ontario, André Marin, announced the launch of a new special Ombudsman response team and its first major investigation at a press conference held earlier today.