Expenditure Estimates for Ombudsman Ontario (2025–26)
Summary
The Ombudsman of Ontario is an Officer of the Provincial Legislature who is independent of government and political parties. The Ombudsman's job is to ensure government accountability through effective oversight of the administration of government services. The Ombudsman's authority to investigate complaints is set out in the Ombudsman Act.
Individuals may contact the Office of the Ombudsman to lodge a complaint through multiple avenues. Complaints can be received in person, in writing, via toll-free telephone, email, or online complaint form. The Office provides extensive information about its operations and specific investigations in both English and French, on its website.
Program Summary
| Vote | Program | Estimates 2025-26 $ | Estimates 2024-25 $ | Difference Between 2025-26 and 2024-25 $ | Actual 2023-24 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2301 | Ombudsman Ontario Program | 32,900,000 | 33,097,100 | (197,100) | 28,211,492 |
| Total Operating Expense to be Voted | 32,900,000 | 33,097,100 | (197,100) | 28,211,492 | |
| Total Operating Expense | 32,900,000 | 33,097,100 | (197,100) | 28,211,492 | |
| Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments | 32,900,000 | 33,097,100 | (197,100) | 28,211,492 | |
| Total Operating and Capital Including Consolidation and Other Adjustments (not including Assets) | 32,900,000 | 33,097,100 | (197,100) | 28,211,492 |
Ombudsman Ontario Program - Vote 2301
The Ombudsman is an independent, non-partisan Officer of the Ontario Legislature, appointed by all parties, whose role is to ensure that the provincial government and public sector serve people in a way that is fair, accountable, transparent and respectful of their rights.
The Office of the Ontario Ombudsman was established in 1975 and takes complaints about the administrative decisions and actions of more than 1,000 public sector and government bodies in Ontario, as well as French language services and services provided in the child protection sector.
During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the Office of the Ombudsman received 30,675 complaints. The office’s approved staff complement in 2024-2025 was 186 FTEs.
Vote Summary
| Item number | Item | Estimates 2025-26 $ | Estimates 2024-25 $ | Difference Between 2025-26 and 2024-25 $ | Actual 2023-24 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Ombudsman | 32,900,000 | 33,097,100 | (197,100) | 28,211,492 |
| Total Operating Expense to be Voted | 32,900,000 | 33,097,100 | (197,100) | 28,211,492 | |
| Total Operating Expense | 32,900,000 | 33,097,100 | (197,100) | 28,211,492 |
Standard Account by Item and Sub-Items
| Vote- item number | Standard Account by Item and Sub-Items | Amount $ |
|---|---|---|
| 2301-1 | The Ombudsman | |
Salaries and wages | 21,370,000 | |
Employee benefits | 5,130,000 | |
Transportation and communication | 650,000 | |
Services | 4,900,000 | |
Supplies and equipment | 850,000 | |
| Total Operating Expense to be Voted | 32,900,000 | |
| Total Operating Expense for Ombudsman Ontario Program | 32,900,000 |