News Releases
A Departure Message from Ombudsman Susan Opler
16 July 2021
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
9 July 2021
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
9 June 2021
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
30 April 2021
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
8 April 2021
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
14 December 2020
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
21 October 2020
After careful consideration, Ombudsman Susan E. Opler has decided to retire from her position, effective 2021.
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Ombudsman Praises Heroism of City Staff, Releases Annual Report
25 June 2020
The City of Toronto Ombudsman today praised the performance of the thousands of City staff who have continued providing services to people in Toronto during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Toronto Ombudsman to Review City’s Investigation Of Incident at Centennial Park
18 June 2020
The City of Toronto Ombudsman will review the City’s investigation of a widely reported incident involving one of its By-Law Enforcement Officers and members of the public in Centennial Park earlier this week.
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Statement from Ombudsman Susan E. Opler on the TTC's new Investigation Unit
14 May 2020
At the Special Meeting on May 13, 2020, the Board of Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) voted to establish a new Investigation Unit to receive and respond to complaints involving TTC Special Constables and Fare Inspectors.
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