Expenditure Estimates for Ombudsman Ontario (2019-20)
The 2019-20 Estimates set out details of the operating and capital spending requirements of ministries and legislative offices for the year starting on April 1, 2019.
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 at www.ombudsman.on.ca.
Program summary
Vote | Program | Estimates | Estimates | Difference | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating expense |
|
|
|
|
| 2301 | $32,644,800 | $20,180,400 | $12,464,400 | $14,184,549 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $32,644,800 | $20,180,400 | $12,464,400 | $14,184,549 |
| Total operating expense | $32,644,800 | $20,180,400 | $12,464,400 | $14,184,549 |
| Total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) | $32,644,800 | $20,180,400 | $12,464,400 | $14,184,549 |
Ombudsman Ontario Program - vote 2301
The Ombudsman is an officer of the Legislature whose mandate is set out in the Ombudsman Act. The Ombudsman promotes fairness, accountability and transparency in the public sector by investigating complaints and systemic issues within his jurisdiction, and making recommendations to improve the administration of public policy, programs and services.
As of May 1, 2019, the Ombudsman’s mandate was expanded to include complaints related to children and youth in care (children’s aid societies, group and foster homes), as well as French language services. This is the result of legislation passed in December 2018 that transferred the responsibilities of the formerly independent French Language Services Commissioner (FLSC) to the Ombudsman, as well as the investigative function of the formerly independent Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth (PACY).
During the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the Office of the Ombudsman received 27,419 complaints; an increase of almost 30% over the previous year's total of 21,154. The Office’s staff complement in 2018-2019 was 143 FTEs. In April 2019, the Board of Internal Economy approved additional funding of $12,206,300 and 43 FTEs to support the Ombudsman’s additional jurisdiction over children and youth and French language services. These positions were largely staffed by employees from the former FLSC and PACY.
Vote summary
Item number | Item | Estimates | Estimates | Difference | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating expense |
|
|
|
|
| 1 | The Ombudsman | $32,644,800 | $20,180,400 | $12,464,400 | $14,184,549 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $32,644,800 | $20,180,400 | $12,464,400 | $14,184,549 |
| Total operating expense | $32,644,800 | $20,180,400 | $12,464,400 | $14,184,549 |
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 | $17,133,300 |
| Employee benefits | $7,379,500 |
| Transportation and communication | $1,563,200 |
| Services | $5,776,000 |
| Supplies and equipment | $830,400 |
| Subtotal | $32,682,400 |
| Less: recoveries | $37,600 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $32,644,800 |
| Total operating expense for Ombudsman Ontario Program | $32,644,800 |