Janina Fogels appointed Deputy Ombudsman

Following an extensive recruitment process, Ombudsman Toronto is pleased to announce that Janina Fogels is the new Deputy Ombudsman, effective May 19, 2026.

Janina joined Ombudsman Toronto’s Housing Unit in 2023 as one of its first investigators. She brings considerable experience in investigations, human rights advocacy and public service to the role of Deputy Ombudsman.

In her investigations work, Janina has worked with municipalities across Ontario, from townships to large cities, as well as municipal employers including police and fire departments. She has also worked with public post-secondary institutions.

Prior to joining Ombudsman Toronto, Janina also served as Legal Manager and Senior Counsel at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, a legal clinic serving clients across Ontario. For more than 12 years, Janina worked on the front lines as an advocate for individuals and groups seeking human rights advice, bringing an empathetic and trauma-informed approach to her work. Earlier in her career, she practised labour law at a boutique firm in Toronto. Janina has participated in hundreds of mediations and alternative dispute resolution negotiations throughout her career, helping clients resolve conflicts and achieve positive outcomes.

Janina holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Civil Law from McGill University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. As a lifelong Torontonian, she is committed to advancing fairness, accountability and responsive public service.

The Ombudsman Toronto team would like to thank Meredith Gayda for her leadership as Acting Deputy Ombudsman over the last two years. Meredith will return to her position as Team Lead, Investigations and Resolutions.

Please join us in congratulating Janina and wishing her all the best in her new role to strengthen fairness and accountability at the City of Toronto.