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Indigenous Service Plan released
On 12 March 2026, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé released his Office’s Indigenous Services Plan, committing to internal improvements and external engagements to help ensure public services in Ontario respect Indigenous rights.
Noting that many Indigenous individuals and communities do not feel reflected or understood by public institutions, Mr. Dubé said: “We feel strongly that Ombudsman Ontario has a responsibility to help change that.”
The Ombudsman’s job is to promote fairness, accountability, transparency and respect for rights in the delivery of public services, he pointed out. “We are independent of government, and we are empowered to ensure that public bodies treat people properly and justly – we are uniquely positioned to make a difference.
“We oversee hundreds of provincial and municipal bodies that affect almost every aspect of daily life. When those services fail Indigenous people, we can investigate. We can recommend change. And we can shine a light on problems that would otherwise remain invisible.
“By improving how we serve Indigenous complainants and communities, we can help ensure better public services and greater respect for Indigenous rights. That is how we can contribute – within our mandate – to the broader journey of reconciliation.”
The Ombudsman’s Office worked with Tawi:ne Consulting Inc., a First Nation woman-owned and operated firm, to co-develop the plan, including by holding engagement sessions with more than 100 Indigenous participants from across Ontario.
Kindly click here to read the full media release.
Source: The Ontario Ombudsman, Canada
