The Ombudsman Around the World

Ombudsman institutions protect people from maladministration and violation of their rights in more than 100 countries worldwide. Our Office works collaboratively with provincial, national and international oversight bodies to share insights, strategies and best practices. Participation in organizations related to our jurisdiction optimizes our knowledge and skills and enables us to better serve Ontarians. They include:

 

• This link opens in a new tabInternational Ombudsman Institute (IOI): Established in Canada in 1978, the IOI is the only global ombudsman organization, with a membership of almost 200 independent institutions from more than 100 countries. The Ontario Ombudsman is a Director on the IOI’s World Board, and President for the North American Region.

• This link opens in a new tabCanadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman (CCPO): Every province and territory that has a parliamentary ombudsman is part of the CCPO. Through the CCPO, we support each other and share expertise to optimize our service to the people and institutions we serve.

• This link opens in a new tabForum of Canadian Ombudsman (FCO): The FCO brings together a range of ombudsman offices across Canada, including those that operate within public sector bodies or organizations. Our Office participates in FCO conferences and workshops, including its “ombudsman essentials” training program with Osgoode Professional Development.

• This link opens in a new tabInternational Association of Language Commissioners (IALC): The French Language Services Commissioner represents our Office in the IALC, which shares best practices and expertise in protecting minority language rights around the world.

• This link opens in a new tabCanadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates (CCCYA): Our Office is a member of the CCCYA, an association of independent officers of the legislature from across Canada who have mandates to advance the rights of children and youth.

• Association des Ombudsmans et des Médiateurs de la Francophonie (AOMF - in French): The AOMF supports independent ombudsmen, mediators and human rights commissioners throughout the French-speaking world.

• This link opens in a new tabUnited States Ombudsman Association (USOA): The USOA fosters the development of professional ombudsman offices across the U.S., Canada and elsewhere.

• This link opens in a new tabCanadian Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (CACOLE): Our Office regularly shares expertise in oversight of law enforcement with members of CACOLE, which advances the application of civilian oversight of law enforcement throughout Canada and abroad.

• This link opens in a new tabNational Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE): Our Office regularly participates in discussions and knowledge-sharing with members of NACOLE, which works to enhance accountability and transparency in policing in the United States through civilian oversight.

• This link opens in a new tabInternational Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA): An international organization of correctional services professionals and oversight bodies, the ICPA promotes standards for humane and effective correctional practices.