Open Government for a Fairer Society: SYT Keynote Address by Premier Kathleen Wynne

Premier Kathleen Wynne spoke about the importance of building good working relationships between government organizations and oversight offices, as the keynote speaker at our office's annual training course for administrative watchdogs, "Sharpening Your Teeth," on October 25.

Since 2007, we have offered the course for ombudsmen and professional investigators across Canada and around the world, always on a full cost-recovery basis. This year we welcomed more than 70 participants, from as far as Tonga, Ukraine, Antigua and Barbuda, and Nebraska; from ombudsman offices in Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Yukon; and from other ombudsman and legislative offices in Ontario. Sessions included training in conducting systemic investigations, interviewing and report writing, as well as a presentation by New Brunswick Ombudsman Charles Murray.

In her speech, the Premier noted, "By emphasizing procedural fairness, resolving complaints as quickly as possible and having a level of personal contact with the people who seek out the help of the Ombudsman, you help people to see the government itself in more human terms.''