News & Updates

Read about the latest updates and events from Ombudsman Toronto, including public presentations, updates on investigations, training, and messages from the Ombudsman.

Showing 31 to 40 of 89 items

Ombudsman Finds Unfairness in the City’s Ticketing of People in Parks During Early COVID-19 Days

July 9, 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.

New Toronto Ombudsman to Start August 23: Mr. Kwame Addo

June 9, 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.

Ombudsman: Pandemic Underscores the Importance of Clear City Communications

April 30, 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.”

Ombudsman Toronto to Undertake Oversight of Toronto Police

April 8, 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.

An Open Letter from Ombudsman to TTC Urging Swift Action amidst Lingering Systemic Issues

December 14, 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.

Message from Ombudsman Susan E. Opler: Notice of Retirement

October 21, 2020

After careful consideration, Ombudsman Susan E. Opler has decided to retire from her position, effective 2021.

Ombudsman Praises Heroism of City Staff, Releases Annual Report

June 25, 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. Releasing her 2019 Annual Report today, Susan Opler said City staff have been challenged like never before by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Toronto Ombudsman to Review City’s Investigation Of Incident at Centennial Park

June 18, 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. Susan Opler says that any allegation of anti-Black racism in City enforcement is serious and must be properly and fairly investigated.

Statement from Ombudsman Susan E. Opler on the TTC’s new Investigation Unit

May 14, 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.

Statement from Ombudsman Susan E. Opler

April 23, 2020

It has been one month since Mayor Tory declared an Emergency in Toronto. The past weeks have been anything but usual. However, we have all seen and benefitted from the heroic response of Toronto’s public servants to the COVID-19 crisis. They have worked tirelessly to provide critical and essential services to everyone in Toronto, particularly to our most vulnerable. Like so many others, I am sincerely grateful for their efforts.