Read about the latest updates and events from Ombudsman Toronto, including public presentations, updates on investigations, training, and messages from the Ombudsman.
July 16, 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.
Read More about A Departure Message from Ombudsman Susan Opler
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.
Read More about Ombudsman Finds Unfairness in the City’s Ticketing of People in Parks During Early COVID-19 Days
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.
Read More about New Toronto Ombudsman to Start August 23: Mr. Kwame Addo
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.”
Read More about Ombudsman: Pandemic Underscores the Importance of Clear City Communications
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.
Read More about Ombudsman Toronto to Undertake Oversight of Toronto Police
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.
Read More about An Open Letter from Ombudsman to TTC Urging Swift Action amidst Lingering Systemic Issues
October 21, 2020
After careful consideration, Ombudsman Susan E. Opler has decided to retire from her position, effective 2021.
Read More about Message from Ombudsman Susan E. Opler: Notice of Retirement
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.
Read More about Ombudsman Praises Heroism of City Staff, Releases Annual Report
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.
Read More about Toronto Ombudsman to Review City’s Investigation Of Incident at Centennial Park
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.
Read More about Statement from Ombudsman Susan E. Opler on the TTC’s new Investigation Unit