News Releases
Toronto's Ombudsman Says City Needs To Show Empathy and Care
In his 2021 Annual Report released today, Toronto’s Ombudsman said the City needs to re-dedicate itself to fairness for all its residents. "People in Toronto have spent more than two years adjusting to the ever-changing realities of the COVID-19 pandemic," says Ombudsman Kwame Addo. "It is especially during these times of uncertainty and change that the City needs to show the public empathy and care."
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City's Process for Flooding and Sewer Backup Claims Improved Following Ombudsman's Recommendations
On November 12, 2020, Ombudsman Toronto released the results of our Enquiry into How the City of Toronto Handles Homeowner Third-Party Liability Claims for Basement Flooding and Sewer Backups. We are pleased to announce that the City has now implemented all recommendations in that report.
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Toronto's Ombudsman to Investigate City's Clearing of Encampments
Toronto's Ombudsman Kwame Addo today announced that his office has launched an investigation into the City of Toronto's clearing of encampments from some of the City’s parks.
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A Departure Message from Ombudsman Susan Opler
With one week left as Ombudsman, Susan Opler shares the following message with the people of Toronto: Always remember that you have power and that this is your city. Every single person in Toronto deserves fair, respectful service and you should speak up if you don’t get it.
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Ombudsman Finds Unfairness in the City’s Ticketing of People in Parks During Early COVID-19 Days
The City of Toronto gave the public confusing and inconsistent information at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown about what people could and could not do in Toronto parks, says City of Toronto Ombudsman Susan Opler in her report released today, Enquiry into the City of Toronto’s Communication and Enforcement of COVID-19 Rules in City Parks in Spring 2020.
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New Toronto Ombudsman to Start August 23: Mr. Kwame Addo
Toronto City Council has unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Kwame Addo as Toronto's third Ombudsman. Mr. Addo brings extensive experience to the position, having spent most of his professional career working in Ombudsman organizations.
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Ombudsman: Pandemic Underscores the Importance of Clear City Communications
The City of Toronto’s Ombudsman says that among the many important lessons the COVID-19 pandemic has taught our local government, it has underscored the need for the City of Toronto to communicate clearly with the public. In her 2020 Annual Report released today, Ombudsman Susan E. Opler says, “Transparent, clear and honest messaging that people can understand is critical.”
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Ombudsman Toronto to Undertake Oversight of Toronto Police
City Council today unanimously approved the biggest change in police oversight in Toronto's recent history. It asked Ombudsman Toronto to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the Toronto Police Services Board and the Toronto Police Service, giving the Toronto Ombudsman authority to review the fairness of Toronto Police procedures and programs.
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An Open Letter from Ombudsman to TTC Urging Swift Action amidst Lingering Systemic Issues
In an open letter to TTC's Board of Directors, Ombudman Susan E. Opler urges the TTC to address critically needed changes in the recruitment, training, job requirements, public awareness, accountability and culture of Special Constables and Fare Inspectors.
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Message from Ombudsman Susan E. Opler: Notice of Retirement
After careful consideration, Ombudsman Susan E. Opler has decided to retire from her position, effective 2021.
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