Ontario Ombudsman - Role and Function

Role and Function

The Ombudsman is independent of government and political parties. His (or her - the term "Ombudsman" originates from Swedish and is considered to be gender-neutral) job is to hold government accountable by reviewing and investigating public complaints about the administration of government services. He may also launch investigations of his own accord or on his own motion. The Ombudsman is appointed for a five-year renewable term by an all-party committee named by the legislature.

The Ombudsman's powers and authorities are set out in the Ombudsman Act. They include the power to enter any government premises to gather evidence, and the power to compel witnesses to give evidence. He may investigate and report his findings publicly if he finds that a "decision, recommendation, act or omission" of a body he oversees was contrary to law, unreasonable, unjust, oppressive, discriminatory, based on a mistake of law or fact, or simply wrong. The Act requires individuals as well as government officials and employees to co-operate with the Ombudsman's investigations.

The Ombudsman reports annually to the Legislature and may also issue special reports. His recommendations are not binding.

In 2011-2012, the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman's budget was $10.75 million and it employed approximately 85 staff. In that year, the office handled 18,541 cases, the majority of which were resolved within three weeks.

In addition to annual and special reports, the Ombudsman publishes a regular electronic newsletter.