BackThe Office of the Ombudsman of the City of Toronto released its 2014 annual report. In a personal statement, Ombudsman Fiona Crean declared she has decided not to seek reappointment.
Summarizing the 2014 Annual Report, most common issues were the same as last year, such as providing inadequate service, unreasonable or unfair decisions and enforcement and finally poor communications, which topped the list at nearly 51%. The Complaints included unreasonably long response times, calls not returned and hard to understand written communications. However, there continue to be more complaints from seniors, people who are poor, people seeking subsidized programs and people with disabilities and diminished capacity. There are more complaints about the basic necessities and rights of citizens and residents –complaints from people who are marginalized and often without a voice. Compared to the previous year, there was an overall increase in complaints by 22% and about 129 % compared to the year 2009. The severity and complexity of complaints have also grown exponentially, which led to the expansion of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction last year. It now includes all the city-owned corporations, including significant organizations that have a daily impact on residents' lives. The full report can be accessed here.
Fiona Crean further stated that critical challenges are lying ahead. She had called for an increase in resources due to the demand having exceeded the Ombudsman`s capacity, which has never been granted. Although the promise of equity and fairness from an independent ombudsman is enshrined in the City of Toronto Act, Fiona Crean expressed her worries that the reality of this commitment is now in question. As a consequence of the current political climate surrounding the Ombudsman’s office and the concern that a debate on her reappointment next week might be divisive, Fiona Crean has decided not to seek reappointment for a renewed term beyond November 16, 2015: “I am very proud of what our team has accomplished and I intend to vigorously pursue our current investigations. The residents of Toronto expect and deserve nothing less.”
Source: Office of the Ombudsman, Toronto, Canada
