Expenditure Estimates for Ombudsman Ontario (2021-22)
The 2021-22 Estimates set out details of the operating and capital spending requirements of ministries and legislative offices for the year starting on April 1, 2021.
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 | Estimates | Difference | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operating expense | |||||
| 2301 | Ombudsman Ontario Program | $30,468,600 | $30,468,600 | - | $23,325,671 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $30,468,600 | $30,468,600 | - | $23,325,671 | |
| Total operating expense | $30,468,600 | $30,468,600 | - | $23,325,671 | |
| Total including consolidation & other adjustments | $30,468,600 | $30,468,600 | - | $23,325,671 | |
| Total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) | $30,468,600 | $30,468,600 | - | $23,325,671 | |
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 2020-2021 fiscal year, the Office of the Ombudsman received 20,015 complaints. The Office’s staff complement in 2020-2021 was 186 FTEs.
Vote summary
Standard account by item and sub-items
| Vote- item number | Standard account by item and sub-items | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Operating expense | ||
| 2301-1 | The Ombudsman | |
| Salaries and wages | $18,039,000 | |
| Employee benefits | $4,311,900 | |
| Transportation and communication | $1,520,500 | |
| Services | $5,766,800 | |
| Supplies and equipment | $830,400 | |
| Total operating expense to be voted | $30,468,600 | |
| Total operating expense for Ombudsman Ontario Program | $30,468,600 | |