2008
- 18/12/2008 - Ombudsman named one of the top newsmakers of the year
In an editorial from its December 15, 2008 edition, the Law Times Ontario weekly named Ontario Ombudsman André Marin as one of their top three newsmakers of 2008 for tackling “both the province’s legal aid system and the Special Investigations Unit.”
- 30/09/2008 - Special Investigations Unit must dispel “toothless tiger” image: Ombudsman investigation finds culture of complacency at SIU
Ontario’s system of police oversight has failed to live up to its promise due to a “complacent” culture and a lack of rigour in ensuring police follow the rules, Ontario Ombudsman André Marin says in his latest special report, released today.
- 16/07/2008 - Ombudsman to investigate monitoring of long-term care facilities
Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today announced he will conduct a full systemic investigation into the province’s monitoring of long-term care facilities – and its effectiveness in ensuring nursing homes meet government standards.
- 17/06/2008 - Ombudsman says time is ripe for hospital investigation
Ombudsman André Marin's third annual report, released today, documents his office's success in helping thousands of Ontarians in the past year - and questions why hospital patients don't have the same recourse to his services. The Ombudsman is also announcing a new investigative team today to focus on his new responsibility for enforcing the law requiring municipal meetings to be open to the public.
- 05/06/2008 - Ombudsman now has the power to investigate the Toronto Catholic District School Board
Ontario Ombudsman André Marin now has the jurisdiction to investigate complaints about the Toronto Catholic District School Board, following the provincial government's appointment of a supervisor for the board. While normally the Ombudsman does not have jurisdiction over school boards, that changes when the government takes direct control.
- 03/06/2008 - Ombudsman calls for clarity on new home warranty program
Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today called on the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services to clarify its relationship with Tarion Warranty Corp. in its communications with new homeowners and the general public.
- 02/06/2008 - Sharpening Your Teeth Administrative Watchdog Course *New Deadline for Registration: August 15*
Due to high demand, Ombudsman Ontario will be offering: Sharpening Your Teeth, September 22–24, 2008 at the St. Andrew’s Club and Conference Centre in Toronto. All interested parties from any oversight agency are invited to attend.
- 23/05/2008 - Ombudsman to investigate closed meetings in Oshawa
Ontario Ombudsman André Marin served notice to the mayor and council of the City of Oshawa this week that he is investigating a complaint about closed meetings held by city council.
- 25/04/2008 - Ombudsman investigation exposes "danger" of closed meetings
Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today released a report warning Sudbury councillors that their closed-door meeting regarding the recent Elton John concert ticket scandal was close to the legal line.
- 04/03/2008 - Ombudsman to investigate province’s protection of new homeowners
Ontario Ombudsman André Marin has informed the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services that he intends to investigate how the Ministry represents itself to the public regarding its relationship with the Tarion Warranty Corporation.
- 26/02/2008 - BACKGROUNDER - A Test of Wills Key Dates
February 15, 2002 - Linda Mariani reported missing. March 2002 - Richard Wills makes separation agreement with wife. June 4, 2002 - Wills transfers $120,000 to wife from bank credit line.
- 26/02/2008 - A Test of Wills, By the numbers – Fact sheet
How much did it cost? Legal Aid Ontario’s (LAO) original estimate: $50,000. Total paid by Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) to defence lawyers: $1,105,063.42*
- 26/02/2008 - Ombudsman calls for new law to avert legal aid “fiascos”
Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today called on the province to change the law to prevent further legal aid fiascos like the Richard Wills murder case – and to take whatever steps possible to recover some of the $1.1 million it cost taxpayers. He warned that the situation is not beyond repetition if things are left the way they are.