Overview
Millions of Ontarians rely on social services provided by provincial agencies, as well as the Ontario Works program administered by municipalities. Given the large volume of people they serve, it is perhaps not surprising that two of the top sources of complaints to our Office are consistently the Family Responsibility Office and the Ontario Disability Support Program.
We also receive a substantial amount of complaints each year about services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and about administrative tribunals that deal with social benefits. Our staff meet regularly with senior Ministry officials to proactively flag problems in all of these areas, some of which have also prompted the Ombudsman to conduct systemic investigations.
Notes:
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In June 2018, the Ministry of Community and Social Services was merged with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to become the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
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In May 2019, the Ombudsman’s mandate was expanded for the first time to include children’s aid societies and matters related to children and youth in care, as the position of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth was eliminated and his investigative function was transferred to the Ombudsman. Information on this new mandate can be found in the Children & Youth section.
We can
See our full list of bodies we oversee.
We cannot
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Take complaints about children’s aid society matters prior to May 1, 2019
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Overturn decisions of elected officials or direct them on public policy
See our list of Common Referrals.
Trends in cases (2023-2024 Annual Report)
Investigations and case summaries