Our Office and phone lines will be closed on Tuesday, July 1. Our services will resume on Wednesday, July 2 at 9 a.m. Complaints can still be filed using our online complaint form or via email at info@ombudsman.on.ca.
OMBUDSMAN REPORT | PAUL DUBÉ, OMBUDSMAN OF ONTARIO | APRIL 2017 Investigation into how the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services tracks the admission and placement of segregated inmates, and the adequacy and effectiveness of the review process for such placements OVERSIGHT, OUT OF …
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Investigation into how the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services tracks the admission and placement of segregated inmates, and the adequacy and effectiveness of the review process for such placements.
Counter Encounter
“Counter Encounter” Investigation into a complaint about the Township of Red Rock Paul Dubé Ombudsman of Ontario May 2017 Table of Contents Overview ............................................................................................................... 3 Complaint …
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Investigation into a complaint about the Township of Red Rock.
2016-2017 Annual Report
2 6201072 ANNUAL REPORT 01 2 60171 2 62010720126071 @Ont_Ombudsman Ontario Ombudsman OntarioOmbudsman Independent Impartial Confidential Free Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario ISSN 1708-0851 An independent office of the Legislature that resolves and investigates public complaints about Ontario …
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Ombudsman’s Message - New Era of Oversight
As I report on this, my first full year as Ontario Ombudsman, I am encouraged by several recent developments that signal a trend toward stronger oversight of public sector bodies in this province.
Written Submission to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services - Carding
“Street Checks and Balances” Submission in response to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services’ consultation on proposed Ontario regulation for street checks André Marin Ombudsman of Ontario August 31, 2015 2 “Street Checks and Balances” Submission to MCSCS consultation August …
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Whatever label you choose – street checks, community contacts, or carding – the practice of police officers arbitrarily stopping individuals on the street, requesting personal identification and information, and maintaining a record of the encounter for possible future use, has increasingly come under scrutiny.
Submission to the Independent Police Oversight Review
“Oversight Unchanged” Submission to the Independent Police Oversight Review Paul Dubé Ombudsman of Ontario October 2016 https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/Resources/Speeches/2016/Written-submission-to-the-province%E2%80%99s-Independent-P.aspx?lang=en-CA Table of contents Overview …
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Since 1974, police oversight in Ontario has been the subject of more than a dozen reviews, generating hundreds of recommendations for reform. In response, successive governments have introduced legislative amendments aimed at enhancing independent oversight of police. However, finding the right balance between effective policing and public accountability has proven elusive. Today, Ontario’s oversight system continues to attract criticism that threatens to undermine public confidence in policing.
Segregation: Not an Isolated Problem
“Segregation: Not an Isolated Problem” Submission in response to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services’ consultation on its review of policies related to segregation of inmates Paul Dubé Ombudsman of Ontario …
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No matter what you call it – segregation, solitary confinement, isolation, or separation – the practice of confining inmates to a cell, alone, for 22 hours or more a day for prolonged periods has increasingly come under fire.
Submission on Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act, 2017
Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act, 2017 Paul Dubé Ombudsman of Ontario April 2017 Table of Contents Background: Ombudsman’s …
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On April 11, 2017, Ombudsman Paul Dubé made a presentation to the Standing Committee on Social Policy regarding Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario's Municipal Legislation Act, 2017.
Ontario’s jails in ‘growing crisis’ which cannot be ignored ‘any longer’: ombudsman (Global News)
Isaac Callan Global News June 25, 2025 Ontario’s jails are in a “growing crisis,” according to the province’s ombudsman, who is urging a rapid and meaningful overhaul of the correctional system. In his annual report, Ombudsman Paul Dubé said his office had received a “staggering” increase in …
Ombudsman sounds alarm about 'growing state of crisis' in Ontario jails (CBC)
Muriel Draaisma CBC News Jun 25, 2025 Ontario's ombudsman is raising alarm about a "growing state of crisis" in provincial jails, saying in his annual report released on Wednesday that urgent reform is needed. Paul Dubé said his office responded to 6,870 cases about correctional facilities in the …
Autonomy, security of tenure key principles for ensuring ombudsman independence, council says (Law360 Canada)
Ian Burns Law360 Canada June 26, 2025 The Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman (CCPO) has endorsed a set of key principles designed to ensure the independence, effectiveness and accountability of ombuds institutions across Canada. The principles adopted during the council’s June meeting …
Newsletter - Our 2024-2025 Annual Report is now available!
Newsletter - Our 2024-2025 Annual Report is now available! …
Ombudsman calls for “urgent” reform of Ontario’s correctional system and stronger respect for rights
(TORONTO – June 25, 2025) Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today called on the province to take urgent action to address a “growing crisis” in its overcrowded correctional facilities. Citing a 55% increase in complaints about correctional facilities in the past year ( 6,870 cases), and deteriorating …
Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman Endorses Key Principles to Strengthen Oversight and Public Trust
Charlottetown, PEI — The Canadian Council of Parliamentary Ombudsman (CCPO) has formally endorsed a set of key principles designed to ensure the independence, effectiveness, and accountability of Ombudsman institutions across Canada. These principles, adopted during the Council's gathering in …
Ombudsman to investigate Ontario’s response to incident at Maplehurst Correctional Complex
(TORONTO – June 9, 2025) Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced a new investigation into the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s response to a December 2023 incident at Maplehurst Correctional Complex, due to significant public concerns about transparency, accountability and inmates’ rights. …
Service excellence principles
The Office of the Ontario Ombudsman is committed to prioritizing service excellence and value for all Ontarians. We strive to deliver high-quality and impactful work through exceptional service to the public, in accordance with fundamental ombudsman principles. This commitment is reflected in our …
Newsletter - New to Ontario? We can help
Newsletter - New to Ontario? We can help …
Services for French speakers
As part of Ombudsman Ontario, the French Language Services Commissioner oversees and encourages compliance with the French Language Services Act ( FLSA ) . The Minister of Francophone Affairs is responsible for administering the FLSA . The Commissioner can: Review or investigate complaints about …
Toronto Catholic District School Board - Meeting on October 27, 2022
March 10, 2023 - The Ombudsman received a complaint about a closed meeting held by the Board of Trustees for the Toronto Catholic District School Board on October 27, 2022. The complaint alleged that the Board’s closed meeting agenda was not made public and that the open meeting agenda did not list …
Durham District School Board - Meeting on June 5, 2023
November 29, 2023 - The Ombudsman received a complaint raising concerns that the Durham District School Board required members of the public to provide their contact information and show identification in order to physically attend meetings of the Board of Trustees. The complaint also raised …
Near North District School Board - Meetings on December 14, 2022, January 12, 2023, and February 6, 2023
Ombudsman's final report on the investigation into a complaint about meetings held by the Near North District School Board’s Parry Sound Building Committee in December 2022, and January and February 2023 (accessible PDF) Investigation into a complaint about meetings held by the Near North District …