This was a year marked by “people power” around the world – from the “Arab Spring” demonstrations to the “Occupy” protests. It was even felt by the Ombudsman’s Office, where strong public response to investigations, announcements, speeches and the Ombudsman’s social media efforts had a profound effect. Here are 10 of the most significant developments of 2011, chosen in part by our social media followers.

(TORONTO – December 14, 2011) Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today renewed his call for effective legislation to support the province’s police watchdog, after his latest investigation found the responsible ministry has actively undermined it.

TORONTO (November 8, 2011) – Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today launched a “mobile app” version of his office’s website – a web application that will make it easier for the public to connect with his office via smartphones and tablets.

TORONTO (October 31, 2011) – Ontario Ombudsman André Marin has been awarded the A.D. Dunton Alumni Award of Distinction by the Carleton University Alumni Association (CUAA). Mr. Marin will receive the award and give a brief address tomorrow evening (November 1) at a reception in Toronto.

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin has been awarded the Order of Merit by the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section.

Ontario’s watchdog is standing by his rulings about two secret council meetings in the face of criticism from the city’s top solicitor. In a statement released Friday, Marin responds to city solicitor Peter Barkwell’s comments about a report from Marin’s office issued this week. The ombudsman’s office ruled that councillors were in the wrong when they discussed public business behind closed doors last June. Barkwell, however, told council the report was flawed.

Ontario's top watchdog has taken to Twitter to deliver some salty commentary about Hamilton's top lawyer. Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin sent a series of tweets Thursday slamming city solicitor Peter Barkwell over his reaction to a report from Marin's office issued this week.

AMHERSTBURG — Ombudsman Ontario is once again coming down hard on Amherstburg due to how closed meetings have been handled. On its website, the Ombudsman has posted its report entitled "Behind Closed Doors" and states the report "confirms that the council for the Town of Amherstburg repeatedly broke the law by closing its meetings to the public and discussing issues behind closed doors."

A scathing report by Andre Marin helped accelerate the sudden retirement of former police chief Gary Smith two weeks ago, and now Ontario's ombudsman has some advice about who should replace him.

WINDSOR, Ont. -- Embattled Windsor police Chief Gary Smith announced his immediate retirement Thursday amid allegations of police brutality and other misconduct by his officers.

A case where Niagara officers failed to notify Ontario's police watchdog about a prisoner's hospitalization is noted in a recent report by the province's ombudsman.