Effective today, Barbara Finlay as assumed the role of Ombudsman of Ontario (Acting), pending the Legislative Assembly’s appointment of a permanent Ombudsman. She takes over from Paul Dubé, who completed his second five-year term yesterday.

March newsletter: Ombudsman Dubé publishes “final report” as his 10-year-term ends, and more: https://ow.ly/mTes50YBfHZ

Today marks the conclusion of Paul Dubé’s mandate as Ontario’s Ombudsman, bringing his 10-year term to a close. Mr. Dubé led the Ombudsman’s Office through the largest expansion of its mandate since it was established 50 years ago.

Today is National Indigenous Languages Day. With over 70 Indigenous languages spoken across Canada , many of which are experiencing decline, we recognize the many Elders, young people and advocates who work to maintain and revitalize these languages.

Ombudsman Ontario is committed to building a more equitable future for people of all gender expressions. Today, the International Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the trans community and affirm your right to live authentically.

On Saturday in Whitby, as part of Francophonie Month organized by the Conseil des Organismes Francophones de la Région de Durham, French Language Services Commissioner Carl Bouchard addressed the community and spoke with students about Francophone identity.

Ombudsman Ontario’s Children and Youth Unit has specialized staff that helps young people and their families get fair treatment from public services. Learn more: https://ow.ly/N1fA50YwjkG

We are at the conference of the Association francophone des municipalités de l’Ontario. Visit our booth to learn how we support municipal officials deliver local services fairly and respect people’s rights. https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/info-public-bodies-and-officials/municipal-government

Today, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé published a special report summarizing his 10 years in office, a period of historic growth in public sector oversight.

Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we stand against racism, systemic, individual and structural. At Ombudsman Ontario, we’re committed to fairness, inclusion, and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity in public services.

I was delighted to meet with this year’s Ontario Legislature Internship Programme cohort alongside Anne Sophie Leduc, Director of our FLS Unit. It was a pleasure to have lively discussions about public sector accountability and improving governance with future leaders.

Today we joined the raising of the International Francophonie flag organized by (ACFO-Toronto) at Toronto City Hall: “Ontario’s Francophonie is a patchwork quilt sewn from the experiences of people from all over the world who form our diverse and inclusive society.” (CB)

I thank the leadership and members of UCFO for their warm welcome at yesterday’s AGM. Farmers must exercise their linguistic rights to complete their dealings in French. This tool makes it easy to communicate with my team for support: https://ow.ly/CaUy50YwB4Q (CB)

ICYMI: Last week, Ombudsman Paul Dubé released Ombudsman Ontario’s Indigenous Services Plan. Read the full plan, including its five core commitments: https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/help/indigenous-people/indigenous-services-plan

For Francophonie Week, we’re introducing our new QR code that lets you quickly and easily report any lack of services in French from the Government of Ontario to the French Language Services Unit at the Office of the Ombudsman. https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/help/french-speakers#flscomplaint#flscomplaint

Today, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé released his Office’s Indigenous Services Plan, committing to internal improvements and external engagements to help ensure public services in Ontario respect Indigenous rights.

During the February 2025 election, some Francophones contacted us to inform us about the lack of French language services in the voting process. We intervened, and Elections Ontario committed to improving its planning. Read more here: https://ow.ly/SniB50YqmP7

A teenager told us his group home didn’t help after another youth stole and damaged his belongings. After speaking with the agency, they agreed to replace his laptop and fix the home’s broken lock system which had led to the issue. Learn more: https://ow.ly/VwRJ50YpFGz

International Women’s Day is coming up on March 8! Our Office is fortunate to have so many exceptional women whose leadership and perspectives strengthen our work every day. As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality across Ontario.

A French‑speaking mother discovered that her daughter’s health card was missing a diaeresis in her first name. We intervened, and the correction was made without the mother having to go back to a ServiceOntario office. Read more here: https://ow.ly/kN7050YpO9Y

Children and youth in care, including those in secure treatment or a youth justice facility, have the right to an environment that is safe from all forms of harassment and violence. Learn more about the rights of youth in care: https://ow.ly/lryA50Ym8eM

February newsletter: Celebrating Black History Month, and more: https://ow.ly/ksRw50YmGwz

We’re at the Toronto Book Fair today and excited to welcome you at our booth. Drop by to find out how we support Francophones, help protect their rights, and ensure access to services in French. www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/help/fren...

As #BlackHistoryMonth concludes, we honour Black excellence across generations, from nation builders to tomorrow’s visionaries. The people we’ve highlighted this month reflect that commitment and inspire us to continue working to challenge systemic injustices.

Sincere thanks to Michael Charles, Centennial College’s AVP of Innovation, Inclusion, Reconciliation and Healing, for an enlightening talk about his work implementing the college’s IDEI strategy and anti racism commitments. We’re most grateful for his insights. (PD)

ICYMI: Watch our new video featuring the Ombudsman and team! Learn more about what we do, how we can help, our 50-year track record – and even what “ombudsman” means. Watch here: tinyurl.com/bd78v3yv

#BHM2026: Hon. Michael H. Tulloch, Chief Justice of Ontario and the first Black person to serve as chief justice of a province in Canada: His leadership on police oversight and systemic racism has helped strengthen public institutions: https://ow.ly/vQ5E50Y40Ew#BHM2026

February 22 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Two-thirds of police-reported cases of human trafficking in Canada occur in Ontario. If you see something, say something - call police or the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

We’re at our booth at the Student Job Fair at l’Université de l’Ontario français today! Come chat with us to learn more about our office and the work we do to help Ontarians access the services they need. https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/our-work

Ombudsman Paul Dubé recently made a submission to the Ministry of Education to increase the transparency and accountability of a proposed regulation regarding how school boards work with local police services. Read his submission here: www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/our-work/...

#BHM2026: Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, is co-founder of organizations aimed at uplifting Black law students and an inspiring mentor to youth and adults: https://ow.ly/VKaj50Y4qZV

The French Language Services Unit attended the Black History Month Symposium, organized by TAIBU Community Health Centre and Horizons francophones. It was a valuable opportunity to connect and raise awareness about our services. https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/help/french-speakers

Happy Family Day! Our staff will be available again tomorrow, February 17. In the meantime, complaints can still be made online: https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/make-complaint/file-your-complaint

Inspiring to see such commitment to the art of public speaking at Délie ta langue at UOF. As a jury member, I applaud my fellow judges and the excellence of all candidates. Congratulations! May your passion shape a vibrant Francophone future. (CB)

#BHM2026: Co-founder of the Black Action Defence Committee Dudley Laws challenged police violence against Black communities in the 70s–80s. His advocacy helped drive independent police oversight such as Ontario’s SIU and the Commission on Systemic Racism: https://ow.ly/KKQ350Y8hOT#BHM2026

Are you an organization offering settlement services? We help ensure newcomers are treated fairly by public services as they build their new lives in Ontario. Reach out to request a presentation or download our brochures in different languages! https://shorturl.at/huFxe

#BHM2026: Mary Bibb was co-creator and publisher of “Voice of the Fugitive”, Canada’s first anti-slavery newspaper run by African Canadians. She opened a school for Black children and supported freedom seekers through education and mutual aid. Learn more: https://ow.ly/HqV250Y4qYm#BHM2026

#BHM2026: Dr. Daniel G. Hill was Ontario’s first Human Rights Commissioner and third Ombudsman. A dedicated human rights advocate, his fight against anti-Black racism helped strengthen public institutions in Ontario. Learn more: https://ow.ly/31Ni50Y4qV7#BHM2026

A single mom of a child with a disability contacted us in desperation after her tenants refused to move out, even though they owed more than $20,000 in rent. Find out how we helped her: https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/our-work/case-stories/waiting-be-heard

On Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of taking part in the celebration of the 6th anniversary of the Maison de la francophonie d’Ottawa. Congratulations on offering so many services and activities to Ottawa’s Francophone community! (CB)

February marks #BlackHistoryMonth. This year’s theme, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations”, celebrates nation builders and tomorrow’s visionaries. Follow us as we recognize prominent Black leaders throughout the month. #BHM2026

January newsletter: How we help school boards support students, ten years of collaboration with municipalities, and more. https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/news/newsletter

Service providers such as case workers, foster parents or children’s aid societies have an obligation to inform young people in care about the Ombudsman’s office and how to contact us. Learn more about the obligations of service providers: https://ow.ly/32QL50Y0RNH

Read Ombudsman Paul Dubé’s insights on ensuring fair treatment and respect for Ontarians’ rights in this interview for "Voci in Ascolto" (Listening Voices) - a Q&A series created by an association of Italian ombudsmen to share firsthand accounts from colleagues worldwide.

Watch this new video for an overview of all the work that French Language Services Commissioner Carl Bouchard and the French Language Services Unit are doing to reach and support Francophones in Ontario: https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/help/french-speakers#workfls

We’re thrilled to premiere our brand-new video, featuring the Ombudsman and team explaining our role and what you can expect from us. Learn about how we help, our 50-year track record – and even what “ombudsman” means – all packed into a few minutes: ombudsman.on.ca/en/our-work/...

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we pause to honour the six million people murdered during the Holocaust. It is a solemn call to unite against hatred and ensure these atrocities never happen again.

Discover the 2025 highlights of the French Language Services Unit. French Language Services Commissioner Carl Bouchard and his team remain committted to improving services in French across Ontario.

Ombudsman Ontario’s Children and Youth Unit has developed many resources to help young people receiving child services know their rights. You can find our resources here: https://ow.ly/puyp50XWUOB

At ROMA’s annual conference, Ombudsman Paul Dubé spoke to delegates about our 10 years of collaboration with municipalities. Since 2016, our Office has received 30,000 municipal complaints, with a record 3,800 cases last fiscal year. Read his remarks: www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/news/spee...