January 31, 2023 – A swearing-in ceremony for the leader of two independent offices of the Alberta Legislative Assembly took place today. Kevin Brezinski is Alberta’s tenth Ombudsman and third Public Interest Commissioner, accepting a five-year appointment to the dual roles. As an independent Officer of the Legislative Assembly, Brezinski… More »

The Province has appointed Christine Brennan as Ombudsman. The appointment, for a term of five years, is effective immediately. Ms. Brennan is an experienced leader who most recently served as acting ombudsman. “Nova Scotians will benefit from the deep expertise Christine Brennan brings as the Ombudsman,” said Premier Tim Houston.… More »

Toronto’s Ombudsman today (July 14, 2022) released an interim report with early recommendations that he says the City should implement immediately to improve the fairness of its response to encampments. “Clearing encampments is extremely disruptive and in some cases traumatizing to the people living in them,” says Ombudsman Kwame Addo.… More »

Nova Scotia Ombudsman William A. Smith will retire effective June 30, Premier Tim Houston announced today, May 3. “Mr. Smith planned to retire earlier but agreed to stay on to support the office through the pandemic. I thank Mr. Smith for his many years of service to the people of… More »

On March 17, 2022, the National Assembly of Québec appointed Mr. Marc-André Dowd the Québec Ombudsman. His term of office will begin on March 27, 2022. A member of the Québec Bar Association, Mr. Dowd was the Deputy Ombudsman for prevention and innovation from 2010 to 2015. Previously, he worked… More »

Maureen Helt of the Office of the Ombudsperson works with students to seek fair resolutions to issues, concerns and conflicts at the university. Ryerson University is pleased to welcome Maureen Helt as the new Ombudsperson in the Office of the Ombudsperson as of January 18, 2022. Helt has more than 25 years… More »

PEI becomes the latest province to appoint an independent officer responsible for ensuring fairness and providing a safe avenue for whistleblower complaints in the public service. Next week, Sandy Hermiston will become the province’s first Ombudsperson and Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner. The Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman (CCPO) warmly welcomes… More »

We are pleased to announce to the members of the FCO that at its last meeting, the Board of Directors of the Université de Sherbrooke appointed Marie-Claude Laquerre to the position of Student Ombudsman to replace Ms. Soucila Badaroudine who has retired. Marie-Claude Laquerre has been involved in the Université… More »

On November 23, 2021, Québec Ombudsperson Marie Rinfret released her findings about how the COVID-19 crisis was handled in residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs) during the first wave of the pandemic. Her special report zeros in on the main failings that led to multiple outbreaks and deaths in these… More »

Every year in Québec, more than 21,000 elderly people need a place in a public residential resource. The Québec Ombudsman investigated the rules and practices surrounding access to permanent residential resources. In a special report released today, the Québec Ombudsman exposed the difficulties elderly people and their families face during… More »

Dear FCO members, Each and every one of you works every day to resolve conflicts, investigate complex situations, find the right balance between what should be and what is possible, extend a collaborative hand without complacency, build trust in a helpful but not too close way, bring out a sense… More »

Did you know that every second Thursday in October is Ombuds Day? This annual event provides an opportunity for people to learn more about the important work that ombuds offices around the world carry out every day to ensure that people are treated fairly. On October 14, 2021, FCO President… More »

Ombudsman Kwame Addo began his term as Toronto’s third Ombudsman on August 23. Ombudsman Addo brings extensive experience to the position, having spent most of his professional career working in Ombudsman organizations. He is well-known, trusted, and widely admired for his calm, thoughtful, and wise approach and his deep commitment… More »

The FCO is pleased to welcome new President, Nadine Mailloux (Montreal Ombudsman) and introduce the new Board of Directors elected at the FCO Annual General Meeting on June 16, 2021 for a two-year term (2021-2023). Nadine Mailloux Montreal Ombudsman Message from the President Meet the Board… More »

Premier Iain Rankin announced today, May 20, that Nova Scotia’s ombudsman William A. Smith has been reappointed to a second five-year term effective June 1.“As an MLA, Minister, and now as Premier, I have appreciated the  commitment of the Office of the Ombudsman to fairness and integrity in the public… More »

May 13, 2021 Victoria, BC – The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia today reappointed Jay Chalke as BC’s Ombudsperson for a second six-year term. The appointment followed the unanimous recommendation of the legislature’s Special Committee to Appoint an Ombudsperson. “I’m honored to be able to continue to serve the people of… More »

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. TORONTO (April 12, 2021) – Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé has been named this year’s winner of the… More »

City Council on 8 April 2021 unanimously approved the biggest change in police oversight in Toronto’s recent history. It asked Ombudsman Toronto to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the Toronto Police Services Board and the Toronto Police Service, giving the Toronto Ombudsman authority to review the fairness of Toronto… More »

The Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman (CCPO) has asked the IOI Secretariat to distribute a short survey on COVID-19 Vaccine Passports among its IOI members. More info…… More »

TORONTO — The Ontario government has appointed Craig Thompson as Ontario’s new Patient Ombudsman to help improve the quality of care and supports patients and their families receive in hospitals, long-term care homes, and select home and community care settings. “Craig Thompson brings over 30 years of leadership experience in… More »

The Municipal Council has approved the appointment of Ms. Nathalie Blais as Ombudsman of the City of Laval.   The Office of the Ombudsman is pleased to welcome Ms. Blais and is confident that her experience, skills and qualities will allow us to continue to ensure that citizens receive fair, equitable… More »

The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) has welcomed the United Nations Resolution on the Ombudsman institution, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 2020. The UN resolution represents a strong endorsement of the key principles of ombudsman institutions, including independence, objectivity, transparency, fairness and impartiality.  It is… More »

Ombudsman, and President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), Peter Tyndall has warmly welcomed the United Nations resolution on the Ombudsman institution, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 2020. The UN resolution represents a strong endorsement of the key principles of ombudsman institutions, including independence,… More »

Renewal of 2021 FCO Membership is now available (membership is valid from January 1 to December 31 each calendar year). The fees will remain the same for 2021. Individual Member – $100 CADInternational Member (non-voting) – $75 CADInstitutional Member (5 or fewer staff members) – $250 CADInstitutional Member (more than 5 staff members) – $450… More »

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario has reappointed both its Ombudsman and Integrity Commissioner for another five years. Ombudsman Paul Dubé and Integrity Commissioner Hon. J. David Wake have served in their current roles since 2016. Their respective terms as Officers of the Assembly were extended by a unanimous vote of… More »

The International Ombudsman Institute is very happy to report that the UN resolution on the role of the Ombudsman (A/RES/72/186) was adopted by consensus on 19 November 2020. The final version of the resolution is available online and it is due to be adopted by the UN General Assembly before the end… More »

Government House Leader Sidney MacEwen hopes a legislative committee asked to draft legislation for an ombuds office for P.E.I. will have it ready for the fall sitting. The fall session of the legislature opens Thursday. MacEwen is a member of the standing committee on legislative management, which will look at… More »

On November 11, 2020, the Government of Canada appointed Colonel (Retired) Nishika Jardine as the new Veterans Ombudsperson. The core responsibility of the Veterans Ombudsperson is to review complaints and issues related to programs and services delivered by Veterans Affairs Canada and to uphold the Veterans Bill of Rights. Colonel (Retired) Jardine served… More »

Effective October 5, 2020, Mr. François Boileau will be the third person appointed to the position of Canada’s Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson. Prior to this nomination, Mr. Boileau was the French Language Services Commissioner as an independent Officer of the Ontario Legislative Assembly from 2007 to 2019. His role consisted mainly of… More »

(TORONTO – September 10, 2020) Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced the promotion of Domonie Pierre to the position of Director, Special Ombudsman Response Team (SORT), effective September 14.Ms. Pierre has extensive experience with the Ombudsman’s Office, which she joined as an Early Resolution Officer in 2006. She later became… More »

Mtre Johanne Savard : a blend of rigour and humanityBy Pierre-Luc Beauchesne, lawyer(Article published on August 18, 2020)On September 10, 2020, when the courts open, the Medal of the Bar of Montreal will be awarded to Mtre Johanne Savard to underscore her exceptional contribution to the cause of justice. A member… More »

(TORONTO – June 1, 2020) 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. The investigation will focus on whether the oversight of long-term care homes by those… More »

11 March 2020- Ombudsman Susan Opler is pleased to announce that Mr. Ciarán Buggle has joined Ombudsman Toronto as Director of Investigations and Conflict Resolution. Born and raised in Ireland, Ciarán is qualified as a lawyer in both Ireland and Ontario. Besides his law degrees, he holds a master’s degree… More »

Greetings from Hay River, Northwest Territories where, as of November 18, 2019 the NWT Office of the Ombud is officially open. The Ombud Act was passed by the Legislative Assembly in November 2018 after more than two decades of calls by northerners for the creation of a parliamentary ombud office.… More »

Ottawa, November 26, 2019 – Today, Dr. Ivan Zinger, Correctional Investigator of Canada, is very pleased to announce that Mr. George Myette is the 2019 recipient of the Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award. “Nationally recognized as a tireless leader, mentor, and advocate for social justice, Mr. Myette has… More »

The European Forum Alpbach 2019 hosted a breakout session by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the IOI on “Human Rights Under Pressure: The Role of Ombudspersons and National Human Rights Institutions”. The IOI was represented by its President and Irish Ombudsman Peter Tyndall. In his speech… More »

Promoting and protecting the institution of the Ombusdman – IOI News – IOI The European Commission for Democracy through Law, better known as the Venice Commission, recently adopted a new set of 25 key principles to help protect and promote ombudsmen. The “Venice Principles” have been presented at the Council of Europe office… More »

Dear CAROA Colleagues, It has been an honour to serve as your CAROA President for the period 1st July 2017 – 30th June 2019. I also thank my fellow outgoing Council members for their contributions. They are: Vice President: Keursly Concincion (Curaçao) Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. Raymond Mathilda (Curaçao) Member: Dr. Marion… More »

Open to Researchers, Post-doctoral Fellows, Graduate Students and Practitioners.  A research grant in the amount of $10,000 for a research project focused on contributions of the role and practices of Ombuds to the betterment of society through increased administrative fairness and access to justice. Submission deadline November 30, 2019 Details… More »

Toronto – July 11, 2019 The City of Toronto Ombudsman has found that a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) investigation into the actions of a few of its Transit Fare Inspectors was not sufficiently fair, thorough or transparent to justify its conclusions. In response to calls from the public, the media,… More »

“ACCUO recognizes individual members who have made significant contributions in various ways. The highest of these recognitions is the Distinguished Service Award. Since its creation, ACCUO has granted this award 5 times. To be recognized in this way, the person has to have made significant contributions as an ombudsperson at… More »

Must Read:  A Nova Scotia judge confirms once again the importance of Legislative Ombuds to ensure fairness in the public administration. EDITORIAL: Court gives Nova Scotia government clear message: Oversight isn’t optional; Nova Scotia Appeal Court upholds power of ombudsman’s office. 2019 ncsa 51 Ombudsman v AGNS… More »

Ryerson University is pleased to welcome Kwame Addo as the new Ombudsperson for students as of June 3, 2019. Addo served as the director of investigations for the City of Toronto ombudsman for 10 years following his role as the city’s interim ombudsman. Prior to his position with the city,… More »

Ombudsman Toronto is proud to announce that Kwame Addo, Ombudsman Toronto’s long-time Director of Investigations & Conflict Resolution, will be leaving at the end of May to assume an exciting new role as Ombudsperson of Ryerson University. Kwame joined the Toronto Ombudsman’s office when it opened 10 years ago and… More »

The annual IOI Board Meeting was held from 14 – 17 May 2018 in Mérida, Mexico. Raúl González Pérez, Mexican Ombudsman and President of the Mexican National Human Rights Commission, and his office generously hosted the event. 24.05.2019 Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza The annual IOI Board Meeting was held… More »

Join us in Toronto this coming October  21-23, 2019 for the Ontario Ombudsman’s internationally recognized training course for ombudsmen and administrative investigators, “Sharpening Your Teeth: Advanced Investigative Training for Administrative Watchdogs”! Join Ombudsman Paul Dubé and other ombudsmen, investigators, and professional watchdogs from around the globe to learn about proven… More »

Ombudsman Toronto is aware of broad-based public concern about snow removal in Toronto this winter. The City of Toronto Ombudsman believes there are two issues at play. “One issue is the quality of service the city is providing” says Susan Opler. “We have heard many stories of people reporting that… More »

A recent column by Deb Hutton on Jan. 18 raised provocative questions about the role and usefulness of independent officers of the Legislature. Responding to an earlier column in which John Milloy, the former Liberal minister, argued that the Doug Ford government was wrong to cut three of these watchdogs,… More »

Craig Dalton was appointed Veterans Ombudsman on November 11, 2018. Mr. Dalton was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery in 1990 and over the course of a 25-year career, had the distinct pleasure of serving alongside Canadian soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen, as well as whole-of-government partners, both… More »

Toronto, December 5, 2018 – Today, Dr. Ivan Zinger, Correctional Investigator of Canada, is pleased to announce that Ms. Renu Mandhane, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), is the 2018 recipient of the Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award. “In a distinguished career, Ms. Mandhane has… More »

Best Practice Paper – Issue 3 on “Own motion investigation” has been launched on the occasion of an “Own Initiative” event, which was hosted by the Office of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman in Belfast from 22 – 23 October 2018.  Details…… More »

The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime is pleased to announce that the Government of Canada has appointed Heidi Illingworth as Canada’s new Federal Ombudsman  for Victims of Crime, for a term of three years beginning October 1, 2018. Ms. Illingworth is the  third Ombudsman to be… More »

Message from the Ombudsman – Departure Note | 12 September 2018 To all, It is with mixed emotions that today I announce my retirement from the position of Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman and the Public Service, as of 31 October 2018. As I come to… More »

New Deputy Ombudsman sworn in at Alberta Omdusman Peter Sherstan was sworn in as the Deputy Ombudsman and Deputy Public Interest Commissioner in August 2018.  In this dual role, he oversees four investigative teams and supports the Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner, Marianne Ryan, as she works toward, “. .… More »

On December 8, 2008, the Office of the Correctional Investigator established the Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award.  This award commemorates the work and dedication of Mr. Ed McIsaac and honours those who demonstrate a similar lifelong commitment to improving corrections and protecting the human rights of the incarcerated. … More »

Investigation by the Québec Ombudsman: Children unfairly deprived of free healthcare In an investigation report released on May 30, 2018, the Québec Ombudsman shed light on the situation of children who do not qualify for the Québec Health Insurance Plan because their parents have a precarious migratory status. And yet,… More »

Message from the Ombudsman | 15 June 2018 Today marks the 20th Anniversary of when the Office of the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman opened its doors and its phone lines to serve the Defence Community. While our constituency is quite broad, ranging from current and former members… More »

Ombudsman Message | April 9, 2018 A large part of my Office’s mandate is to serve as a direct source of information, referral, and education for the men and women of the Defence Community. Since I began my tenure as Ombudsman, I have placed emphasis on enhancing the awareness of… More »

The annual IOI Board Meeting was held from 1 – 4 May 2018 in Toronto, Canada, paying tribute to the country in which the IOI was established 40 years ago. Paul Dubé, IOI Regional President for North America and Ombudsman of Ontario, and his office generously hosted the event. IOI… More »

City of Toronto Ombudsman Susan Opler says that in 2017, her office handled nearly 1650 complaints about City services, up 7% from the year before. Susan Opler released Ombudsman Toronto’s 2017 Annual Report today. She says poor communication continues to be a factor in many complaints her office receives. “Day… More »

Mr Elton Georges, former Complaints Commissioner of British Virgin Islands, passed away in the evening of 4 April 2018. Condolences were sent from Victoria Pearman, Bermuda Ombudsman, on behalf of colleagues of the Caribbean Ombudsman Association (CAROEA). 2018.04.09 Tribute Elton Georges. On behalf of the IOI community, President Tyndall, Secretary… More »

Investigation into the detention conditions of inmates serving intermittent sentences in Québec In a special report released on March 21, 2018, the Québec Ombudsman spoke out against the detention conditions of people serving intermittent sentences in Québec correctional facilities. “Our investigation brought into focus the urgent need to expose the… More »

Ombudsman Toronto released a report on an Enquiry into City of Toronto Winter Respite Services, 2017-18 Winter Season. Ombudsman Susan Opler made 18 recommendations to improve the quality, fairness and communication of these services. ——— March 21, 2018 Toronto Canada—The City of Toronto Ombudsman says the City gave people experiencing… More »

On February 21st 2008, the OTO opened its doors! Since day one, our mission is to increase awareness about taxpayer service rights, resolve individual complaints, and improve the service taxpayers receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). How? By listening to what you have to say, hearing about your experience… More »

Mr. Alexander Jeglic has been named Procurement Ombudsman, effective April 3, 2018, for a five-year term.  He replaces Lorenzo Ieraci who was appointed Interim Procurement Ombudsman on May 9, 2016. He remains in the position until the new Procurement Ombudsman, Mr. Alexander Jeglic, takes office on April 3, 2018. Alex… More »

Raymond Théberge took office as Commissioner of Official Languages on January 29, 2018. Commissioner Théberge has a PhD in linguistics from McGill University, a master’s degree in applied linguistics from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree in history from the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface. He held a number… More »

The City of Toronto Ombudsman says Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) is being fundamentally unfair to tenants who seek to move to another unit because their current accommodation puts their health or safety at risk. Ombudsman Susan Opler today released a report, An Investigation into Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s Medical… More »

Toronto, Canada The City of Toronto Ombudsman has begun an Enquiry into the recent confusion over the winter programs offered to the City’s homeless. “We are concerned about reports that some people were mistakenly told there wasn’t any space for them on December 30th,” says Susan Opler. “Ombudsman Toronto wants… More »

On Behalf of the Office of the Correctional Investigator of Canada. OTTAWA, January 2, 2018 – The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, issued the following statement: “I am pleased that Mr. Ivan Zinger has been appointed to the position of Correctional Investigator of Canada. Having… More »

Bill Sheffield, Interim Chair of the Board of Directors wishes to announce that after a successful career with the Corporation, Nabil Allaf, Ombudsman at Canada Post, has announced his retirement at the beginning of next year. Bill is very pleased to announce the appointment of Jean-Marc Nantais as Ombudsman effective… More »

The Forum of Canadian Ombudsman (FCO) is awarding a research grant in the amount of $10,000 to 1) support an Ombuds-focused research project that will contribute to higher levels of effectiveness in the implementation of the Ombuds/man/person role in the Canadian context; or 2)conduct an environmental scan to identify all… More »

The Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C., President of the Senate of Canada, Johanne Savard, ombudsman de Montréal, The Honourable Senator Diane Bellemare Johanne Savard, Montreal Ombudsman, was honoured during the 150th Anniversary Medals Ceremony of the Senate of Canada which took place November 19th, 2017. The Senate 150th Anniversary Medals… More »

I am pleased to congratulate and welcome Me Renan Hédouville who was appointed as Haiti’s new Protecteur du Citoyen on 27 October 2017 for a period of 7 years.  I have sent a message to Me Hédouville on behalf of CAROA to offer our congratulations and the support of CAROA… More »

Ian Darling, former Ombudsman at Tarion accepts role as Chair of the newly created Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT). The tribunal is being established as an online dispute resolution forum for condo disputes that is being set up to be a cost-effective way of resolving disputes in Condos.  Jill Moriarty will… More »

Toronto Ombudsman Recommends $462,000 Payment to Senior 28 September 2017 Ombudsman Toronto released its Enquiry Report recommending that the City of Toronto repay $462,000 to a senior after selling his house in a tax sale. Read Full Release   Toronto’s Ombudsman tells landlords “Turn off the heat” 22 September 2017… More »

Hydro One Inc. is pleased to inform employees of the appointment of Sophie Petrillo as Ombudsman for the Company. Ms. Petrillo has been serving as the head of the Office of the Ombudsman since March of 2017. She is highly regarded in the area of dispute resolution and has extensive… More »

(Our apologies for omitting this news item from June 2017): Please note that Geneviève Trottier is the new Ombudsman for Clients of National Bank Geneviève Trottier has been working with the Office of the Ombudsman for Clients since 2013 and has held the Ombudsman for Clients position since 2017. She… More »

In the spring of 2016 the ombudsman of Utrecht University in the Netherlands, Paul Herfs, visited colleagues from 12 Canadian universities. The aim of his study was to gather best practices at the offices of Canadian ombudspersons. Starting in Montreal and ending his study trip in Victoria he traveled about… More »

On December 8, 2008, the Office of the Correctional Investigator established the Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award.  This award commemorates the work and dedication of Mr. Ed McIsaac and honours those who demonstrate a similar lifelong commitment to improving corrections and protecting the human rights of the incarcerated. … More »

Hamilton, Bermuda –  At the General Meeting held on 13th June 2017 Ms. Victoria Pearman was elected the new President of the Caribbean Ombudsman Association (CAROA) and a new CAROA Council was appointed effective on 1st July 2017. View Press Release.  … More »

The Forum of Canadian Ombudsman (FCO) is awarding a research grant in the amount of $10,000 to 1) support an Ombuds-focused research project that will contribute to higher levels of effectiveness in the implementation of the Ombuds/man/person role in the Canadian context; or 2) conduct an environmental scan to identify… More »

Toronto, May 19, 2017 – Ombudsman Toronto released its Investigation Report into How the City of Toronto’s Parks Forestry and Recreation Division (PF&R) Handled a Park Permit. The investigation revealed a lack of fair process when the City quickly cancelled a permit after neighbours complained. Ombudsman Toronto made eight recommendations… More »

21 April 2017 – Ombudsman Toronto completed its systemic investigation into the TTC’s oversight of its Transit Enforcement Unit. The TTC accepted all of the Office’s 26 recommendations to increase transparency and accountability. The full Investigation Report is available on the Ombudsman Toronto website.… More »

Ottawa, May 2, 2017  – The Minister of Public Safety tabled this morning a Special Report entitled Fatal Response: An Investigation into the Preventable Death of Matthew Ryan Hines. The report is now available on our website at http://www.oci-bec.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx. The investigation into the death of Matthew Ryan Hines at Dorchester… More »

A new law came into force in Québec on May 1, 2017. Under the Act to facilitate the disclosure of wrongdoings relating to public bodies, the Québec Ombudsman is mandated to handles disclosure of wrongdoing committed regarding any public body subject to the Act. From now on, whistleblowers will enjoy… More »

OUT OF OVERSIGHT, OUT OF MIND On April 20, 2017, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé 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. The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional… More »

Ottawa, ON – March 20, 2017 Canada’s Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, is hosting a public town hall for Veterans, military and RCMP members, their families, and other interested parties on Facebook Live, and in-person for those in the Ottawa area on Tuesday, March 21st. The Ombudsman will hear the concerns… More »

Madame Marie Rinfret is the seventh in a line of ombudspersons. She succeeds Madam Raymonde Saint-Germain, who left office in November 2016. Marie Rinfret’s appointment as Ombudsperson was ratified by two thirds of the National Assembly of Québec. She will take office on March 27, 2017. More details…… More »

FIONA CREAN DEPARTS TO ACCEPT POSITION AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT INDSPIRE Fiona Crean, Ombudsman for Hydro One is departing to accept the role of Chief Operating Officer at Indspire, a national charity that helps thousands of Indigenous students complete their education through bursaries, scholarships and awards.Indspire, under the leadership… More »

The 11th IOI World Conference took place from 13 – 19 November 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand. The theme of the conference was “Evolution of Ombudsmanship”. The conference papers and presentations are now available online. View more.… More »

Dr. Ivan Zinger has been appointed as the Acting Correctional Investigator of Canada. The duration of this appointment is for a term of one year or until such time that a new Correctional Investigator is appointed. Dr. Zinger replaces Mr. Howard Sapers, who was appointed Independent Advisor on Corrections Reform… More »

“On December 9, 2016, the National Assembly of Québec passed the Act to facilitate the disclosure of wrongdoings relating to public bodies. With the assent to this Act, the Québec Ombudsman is tasked, as of May 1, 2017, to handle the disclosure of wrongdoing with regard to all public bodies… More »

Bernard Richard, former New Brunswick Ombudsman, child and youth advocate, appointed the new representative for children and youth in British Columbia. CBC News, November 15, 2016 – Former New Brunswick child and youth advocate Bernard Richard is being recommended as the new representative for children and youth in British Columbia.… More »

Advisor to Review Use of Segregation in Province’s Corrections System Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services November 8, 2016 2:00 P.M. – Ontario has appointed an independent advisor on corrections reform to provide advice to the government on the use of segregation and ways to improve the province’s adult… More »

07.11.2016 The Ombudsperson for Quebec, Madam Raymonde Saint-Germain, is one of the six new independent senators whom Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recommended to the Governor General of Canada on November 2, 2016, for nomination. Madam Saint-Germain will therefore soon leave the position of Ombudsperson which she has held since… More »

Live Chat/ l’outil de clavardage en direct We are releasing the first phase of our new Live Chat communication tool. With Live Chat, Our constituents will have immediate and easy access to a bilingual intake officer who will be available to help complete our online complaint form, answer basic questions… More »

The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and the Hamilton, National Capital Region and Toronto Regional Groups of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) are pleased to announce that the 2015 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal of Distinction in Public Administration, Ontario’s highest honour for public service, has been… More »

The Minister of Community and Social Services Helena Jaczek responds to the Ombudsman’s report “Nowhere to Turn”. On the day the report was released, the Minister announced that all 60 recommendations were accepted and will be implemented. (TORONTO – August 24, 2016) Ontario’s systemic failure to help desperate families who… More »

Toronto – July 15, 2016 At its July meeting, City Council unanimously appointed Susan E. Opler as Toronto’s Ombudsman, effective September 12. The Ombudsman works to ensure that the City treats the public fairly, and services are provided in a fair and equitable manner for all. The Ombudsman addresses concerns… More »

Ottawa, ON – August 16, 2016 Veterans’ Families: Caring for those who care Blog: http://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/eng/blog/post/321 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DJ9PoxKxac The impact of a Veteran’s illness or injury is felt by the whole family and they should be supported. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides some support to families and I encourage them to… More »

Families of inmates who have died in federal custody are too often  left in the dark, says Correctional Investigator   Ottawa, August 2, 2016 – Today, the Correctional Investigator of Canada, Mr. Howard Sapers, released his investigation into the extent and manner in which the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) discloses… More »

The FCO would like to congratulate Howard Sapers, long-time member and FCO Board Member for this recognition by the University of Ottawa.   uOttawa Gazette article By Mike Foster Howard Sapers, an outspoken ombudsman who holds Canada’s federal prison system to account, is one of nine exceptional role models who… More »

Executive Council May 10, 2016 12:26 PM The province announced today, May 10, that after a competitive recruitment process, William (Bill) Smith will become Nova Scotia’s new ombudsman. The appointment is effective June 1, 2016. Mr. Smith will oversee formal complaints from the public about provincial or municipal government departments,… More »

April 18, 2016 – Montreal has named an ombudsman to improve the plight of homeless people in Montreal. Serge Lareault is the founder of L’Itineraire, and until recently he was the editor and publisher of the magazine written and sold by homeless people throughout the city. Now he has the… More »

THE CHRONICLE HERALD Published April 1, 2016 – 8:33pm Last Updated April 1, 2016 – 8:35pm Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Student Union will create a new ombudsperson’s office starting this fall. Details were released in a memo Thursday from Anne Forrestall, acting vice-provost of student affairs, and Dan Nicholson,… More »

Aims to build on investigative legacy and relationships as mandate expands (TORONTO – April 1, 2016) 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… More »

OTTAWA, March 31, 2016 – The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness issued the following statement: “Today, I am pleased to announce that Mr. Howard Sapers has agreed to continue in his role as the Correctional Investigator of Canada. Mr. Sapers’ appointment has been renewed for… More »

Would you like to recognize someone for their outstanding contribution to the well-being of Veterans and their families? The Veterans Ombudsman’s Commendation is awarded to individuals, groups, businesses or associations that meet one of the following criteria: National organization or group – to recognize the exceptional work and significant contribution… More »

(TORONTO – February 17, 2016) 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. Prior to… More »

Ottawa, March 10, 2016 – The 42nd Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator was tabled today in Parliament.  The Correctional Investigator, Mr. Howard Sapers, used this opportunity to take stock of the current state of corrections in Canada and highlight some important challenges. “For over ten years,… More »

Remarks + Analysis of the current status of ACVA recommendations by Guy Parent, Veterans Ombudsman to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA) Room 268, The Valour Building, 151 Sparks St. March 8, 2016 11:00 – 12:00 Speech_for_ACVA_Final_Eng ACVA Recommendations Status Table-Eng… More »

Notes for Remarks by  Guy Parent Veterans Ombudsman to the Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs  Room 257, East Block February 24, 2016 – Noon   Chair, Senators. Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today to give an overview of the work of the Office of the Veterans… More »

Statement of the Correctional Investigator of Canada: Release of the Québec Ombudsman’s Special Report Detention Conditions, Administration of Justice and Crime Prevention in Nunavik   Ottawa, Ontario, February 18, 2016.  The Correctional Investigator of Canada, Mr. Howard Sapers, issued the following statement on the release of the Québec Ombudsman’s Special… More »

Unacceptable detention conditions and insufficient crime prevention in Québec’s inuit villages In a report tabled on February 18, 2016, the Québec Ombudsman concluded that the detention conditions of detainees in Nunavik, a territority located north of the 55th parallel in Québec, are unnacceptable and that crime prevention measures are woefully… More »

Ottawa, ON – January 19, 2016 It is a new year and a new government. It is time to set our sights and aim at targets that will bring improvements to the way our Veterans and their families are treated. I have briefed the Hon. Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans… More »

December 1, 2015  Ottawa, Ontario – Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent released today an assessment of Veterans Affairs Canada’s implementation of the eight recommendations put forth in his 2011 report, Veterans’ Right to Know Reasons for Decisions: A Matter of Procedural Fairness and in his 2012 report, Veterans’ Right to Disclosure:… More »

On December 8, 2008, the Office of the Correctional Investigator established the Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award. This award commemorates the work and dedication of Mr. Ed McIsaac and honours those who demonstrate a similar lifelong commitment to improving corrections and protecting the human rights of the incarcerated.… More »

Under her leadership, the Ombuds Office helped close to 8,000 community members. Balanced. Fair. Dedicated. These are just a few of the words people use to describe Kristen Robillard who has served as Concordia’s ombudsperson for more than 15 years. View full article.… More »

November 3, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – Canada’s Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent will present today the 2015 Veterans Ombudsman Commendation to Lt.-Gen. the Honourable Roméo Dallaire (Ret’d) and Capt. Raimo (Ray) Kokkonen (Ret’d) for their exceptional contribution to the well-being of Veterans and their families. The Veterans Ombudsman Commendation is… More »

In recognition of the fiftieth (50th) anniversary of the establishment of the first Ombudsman role in Canada in 1965, FCO is providing a bursary for the cost of enrollment in the FCO/Osgoode ‘Ombuds Essentials Course offered in English from September 28 – October 2, 2015 in Toronto or in French… More »

OTTAWA, March 13, 2015 – The Canadian Paralympic Committee is very pleased to announce that Peter Lawless, an accomplished lawyer and coach, has been appointed Team Canada’s Ombudsperson for the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games and the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. View full release…… More »

BC Ombudsperson Kim Carter has released Striking a Balance: The Challenges of Using a Professional Reliance Model in Environmental Protection – British Columbia’s Riparian Areas Regulation. The systemic investigation into an environmental protection program concludes there has been a lack of oversight, training, information and reporting of the program by… More »

The City of Toronto Ombudsman, Fiona Crean, announced that Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCH) has accepted all of her findings and recommendations following an investigation into its human resource policies and practices. The report, “Unrule(y) Behaviour,” found that senior management repeatedly broke TCH recruitment rules. Some of the senior executives… More »

The Taxpayers’ Ombudsman has published his seventh Special Report, “Donor Beware” “Donor Beware” examines the sufficiency of the Canada Revenue Agency’s warnings about questionable tax shelter schemes.… More »

On December 31, 2013, Christine Delisle-Brennan was appointed Acting Ombudsman for Nova Scotia. Read Christine’s bio… More »

November 29, 2013 – The Québec Ombudsperson, Raymonde Saint-Germain, this week was elected for a two-year term to head the Association des Médiateurs et Ombudsmans de la Francophonie (AOMF), at its 8th Biennial Congress, held in Dakar, Senegal. “The AOMF plays an essential role in supporting the newest or most… More »

Premier Stephen McNeil announced today, Nov. 29, that Dwight Bishop will retire Dec. 31.… More »

News release from the Office of the Correctional Investigator… More »

2013 – 2015 FCO Board of Directors elected at the FCO Annual General Meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia on June 11, 2013: Howard Sapers, Paul Dubé, Doug Melville, Fiona Crean (City of Toronto Ombudsman), Joëlle Thibault (Employee Ombudsman for Hydro Québec) , Laura Bradbury, Nora Farrell, Johanne Savard, Barry Fleming… More »

While Laura’s retirement as the Fair Practices Commissioner for the Ontario Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) was a sad day for many, her commitment to the Ombuds role will continue through the funding of Ombuds-related research. In the early days of Laura’s career she was an investigator with the… More »

As one of the objects set out in the FCO Objects and Bylaws is “To develop and promote professional standards of conduct and a code of ethics for Ombudsman offices in Canada” our Board has been working on this objective over the past year. The result of that work is… More »

At the FCO’s last biennial conference in Vancouver in 2011, the board introduced some suggested by-law changes. It was agreed that consideration of the changes would be postponed until this year’s conference, June 9-12, 2013, in Halifax. Click here to read more about the proposed by-law changes.… More »

The program for the joint FCO/ACCUO conference to be held June 9-12 in Halifax has been posted. For registration and hotel information, please visit the conference page.… More »

The Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons (ACCUO) has developed Standards of Practice which were approved by its membership in June 2012 at its Annual General Meeting. The Standards of Practice in French and English can be accessed at: http://www.uwo.ca/ombuds/accuo_aoucc/english/SoPJune2012EF.pdf… More »

The Taxpayers’ Ombudsman Annual Report 2011-2012… More »

Joëlle Thibault began as the new Employee Ombudsman at Hydro-Quebec on May 1st, 2012, replacing Justice Sentenne. Justine was the first Hydro-Quebec Ombudsman and recently retired after nearly 22 years.… More »

FCO is pleased to assist with the establishment of the Laura Bradbury Research Award on the occasion of Laura’s retirement as the first Fair Practices Commissioner of Ontario. All monies received will be used to fund an Ombuds-related research project. As FCO is not a registered charitable organization it is… More »

We have moved! Well, actually, some of our contact information has changed. After several years of loyal service to the Forum of the Canadian Ombudsman Steve Olive has decided to slow down a bit and forgo his Secretariat responsibilities to the FCO. Thank you Steve for the capable and dedicated… More »

Special report by the Québec Ombudsman: Services provided to young people and adults with a pervasive developmental disorder After releasing a special report in 2009 on government services for children up to 7 years of age who have a PDD, the Québec Ombudsman released its report on government services provided… More »

Ontario Ombudsman Manitoba Ombudsman… More »

The Taxpayers’ Ombudsman has published his special report “Acting on ATIP,” which examines service issues related to the Canada Revenue Agency’s processing of requests pursuant to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. You can view this report at: http://www.oto-boc.gc.ca/rprts/ctntp/menu-eng.html… More »

BC Ombudsperson University of Victoria Saskatchewan Ombudsman Ombudsman de Montréal… More »

IMPROVING THE CARE OF SENIORS: OMBUDSPERSON RELEASES REPORT WITH 176 RECOMMENDATIONS VICTORIA – Today Ombudsperson Kim Carter released a 400 plus page report on her office’s three year investigation into the care of seniors in British Columbia. The Best of Care: Getting it Right for Seniors in British Columbia (Part… More »

From the Public Safety Canada Web site: Ottawa, February 17, 2012 — The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, today announced the re-appointment of Mr. Howard Sapers as the Correctional Investigator of Canada. “I am pleased to re-appoint Mr. Sapers as the federal ombudsman for federally sentenced offenders,… More »

City of Toronto… More »

Read the press release.  … More »

Welcome! You have arrived at the new Forum of Canadian Ombudsman Web site. We very much welcome your reaction. Please take a moment to look around and send comments and thoughts to Questions@Ombudsmanforum.ca… More »