How your Ontario Ombudsman might help

[Guest guest]

AEHA-Ottawa Members

 

March 19, 2008 – received from Linda Sepp, AEHA-Ottawa member

 

OMBUDSMAN, Government of Ontario

 

The Ombudsman investigates complaints about services provided by the

Government of Ontario and its organizations. He also conducts systemic

investigations on important issues about government services, which can affect

large

numbers of people. Under the Ombudsman Act, individuals as well as government

officials and staff working in government organizations, are required to

cooperate with the Ombudsman and provide information during an investigation.

Many

cases brought to the Ombudsman are resolved informally through contact with

government ministries and organizations.

 

When the Ombudsman identifies a problem in how the government has treated an

individual, he can report on it and make recommendations to correct the

problem for that person. He can also make recommendations to change government

policies and practices to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future

and to improve the system for others.

_http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/service.aspx?langID=1_

(http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/service.aspx?langID=1)

 

You can make a complaint about an individual or systemic problem relating to

Ontario Government services, free of charge. Complaints can be made in

writing, by email, online through our website, fax or phone. An Ombudsman staff

member will respond to your complaint. All complaints made to the Ombudsman are

confidential.

 

 

_http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/sortreport.aspx?langID=1_

(http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/sortreport.aspx?langID=1)

Special Ombudsman Response Team (SORT)

 

The Special Ombudsman Response Team or SORT was created to conduct

specialized investigations on high profile issues which can impact a large

number of

people. SORT investigations are conducted after a thorough study of the issue

and only after the Ombudsman is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence

to warrant an investigation. SORT investigations are considered where there:

 

• is a serious and sensitive issue having a high public interest component

• are broad systemic implications;

• the facts of the complaint are complex and/or not agreed upon and;

• there is no likelihood of an informal resolution to the complaint.

 

The SORT team consists of a group of experienced and dedicated investigators

who conduct complex, issue-driven investigations within tight time frames

according to structured investigation plans.

SORT investigations include extensive document review and witness

interviews. Witness interviews are often taped in order to ensure accuracy.

Findings

and recommendations produced after a SORT investigation are often made public,

once the Ombudsman’s report is submitted to the Legislature.

To submit a complaint for a potential SORT investigation:

Call the SORT toll-free number, 1-866-623-SORT (7678)

or

_Complete the online SORT Information Form_

(http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/sortform.aspx?langID=1)

_Download Printable Form_

(http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/UploadFiles/File/PDF/SORT%20COMPLAINT%20FORM.pdf)

-- Mary de Bassecourt

Executive Director, AEHA-Ottawa

_office_ (office)

_www.aeha.ca_ (http://www.aeha.ca/)

 

Fax: 1-866-887-1770 (toll free)