Kelly Burke's vision: "Equivalent service, without delay (s’il vous plaît)"

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced the promotion of Domonie Pierre to the position of Director, Special Ombudsman Response Team (SORT), effective September 14.

Releasing his latest Annual Report today, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé reflected on the stunning and ongoing challenges faced by the province’s public sector due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today launched an investigation into the oversight of long-term care homes by the province’s Ministry of Long-Term Care and Ministry of Health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Hundreds of cases provide “unique opportunity” to promote rights.

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today stressed that his office continues to help Ontarians during the present state of emergency, and has responded to hundreds of public complaints related to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

In accordance with the guidance of public health authorities and the provincial government, the office locations of Ombudsman Ontario have been closed since March 16. Despite this, my staff and I continue to work from home during the provincial state of emergency and remain available to assist the people of Ontario.

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today released the following statement regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the province’s correctional facilities.

As I write this, Ontario is in an unprecedented state of emergency, due to the global outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Millions of people are working from home and practicing “social distancing” as frontline health care workers and public sector leaders work to contain the outbreak and ensure that tests and treatment are available for those who need them.

On March 20, 2020, we marked the 50th International Francophonie Day. Did you know that French is the fifth most spoken language in the world? According to the International Organization of La Francophonie, which brings together 88 states and governments including Ontario, approximately 300 million people on five continents speak French.

Health is a priority sector. For francophones and francophiles, French language services are essential to remaining informed and obtaining the care they need in the language of their choice. It is important that our health care professionals have access to proper tools and trainings to offer French language services.

Speaking to colleagues from across Canada and around the world, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé this week welcomed new international standards that define, promote and protect the role of ombudsmen in strengthening democracy and promoting fundamental rights.

Ontario French Language Services Commissioner Kelly Burke today made the following statement regarding news that the federal and Ontario governments have agreed to jointly fund a new French-language university in Ontario (L’Université de l’Ontario français).

Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced that Ms. Kelly Burke has joined his office as Ontario’s new French Language Services Commissioner. Ms. Burke, an Assistant Deputy Minister and lawyer with several years’ experience in senior roles within the Ontario Public Service, including the Ministry of Francophone Affairs, begins work in her new position this morning.

In the wake of a recent surge in complaints, Ombudsman Dubé today announced an investigation into serious delays at the LTB, the administrative tribunal that resolves residential tenancy disputes.

As we close 2019 and look ahead to a new decade, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the recent historic changes to the Ombudsman’s Office, and to discuss our priorities for 2020.