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.

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.
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.