President's Message

Welcome to the website for the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman. The forum was established in 2001 with the vision of establishing an umbrella organization for Ombudsmen across Canada. In the interim, the FCO has grown to have a diverse membership, and offers a wide range of services and professional development opportunities to members. We continue to strive to be inclusive organization that meets the needs of our members.

The objects of the FCO are to:

• To promote knowledge of the role of Ombudsman and to develop the concept of the institution to encourage its development throughout Canada and elsewhere in order to promote fairness, social peace, justice and the protection of human rights.
• To develop and promote professional standards of conduct and a code of ethics for Ombudsman offices in Canada.
• To encourage interaction, exchange of information, and support between Ombudsman offices in Canada.
• To develop and operate programs enabling an exchange of information and experience between Ombudsman throughout Canada and elsewhere.
• To encourage and support research and study into the institution of Ombudsman.
• To collect, store, and disseminate information and research data about the institution of Ombudsman.
• To develop and operate educational programs for Ombudsman offices, their staff, and other interested persons.
• To plan, arrange and oversee conferences for members of the association.
• To develop and promote linkages with the international community of Ombudsman.
• To recognize and support in Canada and elsewhere the role of the Legislative Ombudsman, who investigates matters related to the administration of governmental or public sector organizations, in the protection of fundamental democratic rights.

2009 has featured the election of a new board of directors, the presentation of the Liz Hoffman research award, and an extremely successful cooperation with the Associations of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons, and the International Ombudsman Association in organizing and presenting EVOLUTION OF THE OMBUDSMAN [1809-2009]: A RICH HISTORY, A PROMISING FUTURE conference in Montreal. Plans are underway for more courses over the fall.

As the new board of directors starts its term in office, I would like to extend my thanks to former board members, whose terms ended at the Annual General Meeting. I would particularly like to thank Andre Marin and the Staff of Ombudsman Ontario for his leadership during his term as president. I look forward to working with the new board of directors toward ensuring that the FCO continues to meet the needs of its diverse membership.

Ian Darling,
Ombudsperson
New Home Buyer Ombudsperson Office and
President, Forum of Canadian Ombudsman