Ombudsman offices like ours exist in more than 100 countries around the world. We help protect and promote people’s rights, and we make sure governments act fairly and responsibly.
Our Office works with provincial, national and international oversight bodies. We share knowledge, strategies and best practices to improve how we serve Ontarians.
Global standards
We follow internationally recognized principles that define, promote and protect the role of the ombudsman in strengthening democracy and promoting fundamental rights:
- Venice Principles: The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe developed these “democratic ABCs for ombudsman institutions” in 2019. They are the first independent and internationally accepted standards for the proper functioning and independence of parliamentary and public services ombudsmen. Among other things, they stipulate that an ombudsman should be independent, be appointed fairly and have robust investigative powers.
- UN Resolution on the Ombudsman: This 2020 resolution strongly endorses the key principles of ombudsman institutions, including independence, objectivity, transparency, fairness and impartiality. It is an important step in securing worldwide recognition for the work of ombudsman institutions in promoting good administration, human rights, good governance and the rule of law.
Who we work with
We are an active member of 10 organizations that connect oversight professionals around the world:
- International Ombudsman Institute (IOI): The IOI was created in Canada in 1978. It is the only global ombudsman organization, with a membership of almost 200 independent institutions from more than 100 countries. The Ontario Ombudsman is a director on the IOI’s World Board and is president of the North American Region.
- Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman (CCPO): Every province and territory that has a parliamentary ombudsman is part of the CCPO. Through the CCPO, we support each other and share expertise to optimize our service to the people and institutions we serve.
- Forum of Canadian Ombudsman (FCO): The FCO brings together a range of ombudsman offices across Canada, including those that operate within public sector bodies or organizations. Our Office participates in FCO conferences and workshops, including its “Ombudsman Essentials” training program with Osgoode Professional Development.
- International Association of Language Commissioners (IALC): The French Language Services Commissioner represents our Office in the IALC. It shares best practices and expertise in protecting minority language rights around the world.
- Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates (CCCYA): Our Office is a member of the CCCYA, an association of independent officers of the legislature from across Canada who have mandates to advance the rights of children and youth.
- Association des Ombudsmans et des Médiateurs de la Francophonie (AOMF - in French): The AOMF supports independent ombudsmen, mediators and human rights commissioners throughout the French-speaking world.
- United States Ombudsman Association (USOA): The USOA fosters the development of professional ombudsman offices across the United States, Canada and elsewhere.
- Canadian Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (CACOLE): Our Office regularly shares expertise in oversight of law enforcement with CACOLE. It advances the application of civilian oversight of law enforcement throughout Canada and abroad.
- National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE): Our Office regularly takes part in discussions and knowledge sharing with members of NACOLE. It works to enhance accountability and transparency in policing in the United States through civilian oversight.
- International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA): The ICPA brings together correctional services professionals and oversight bodies that promote standards for humane and effective correctional practices.