Ombudsman to assess Toronto school busing issues

TORONTO (September 9, 2016) – After hearing about problems with busing of students in the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé has directed staff to assess the issues to determine whether or not a systemic investigation is warranted.

“Over the past few days, we have heard media reports as well as complaints from frustrated parents who waited for their children to be picked up or dropped off, only to have no bus show up,” Mr. Dubé said. “Among other things, our staff will look into what happened, what plans the school boards had in place, and what was done to inform parents.”

Anyone who has information relevant to this issue can contact the Ombudsman’s office through the online complaint form or by phone (1-800-263-1830) or email (info@ombudsman.on.ca). However, families with immediate concerns about busing should first contact their board.

The Ombudsman’s mandate was expanded to include oversight of all Ontario school boards as of September 1, 2015. Although the office has received more than 700 complaints about school boards in the past year, most have been resolved without need for a formal investigation.

If an investigation is launched, the boards in question will be notified and the Ombudsman may make recommendations to address the problem, as well as to improve transportation services for the future.

The assessment will be completed as quickly as possible, Mr. Dubé said.

The Ombudsman is an independent, impartial Office of the Legislature that oversees Ontario government organizations and municipalities and recommends solutions to individual and systemic administrative problems.