Ontario’s Ombudsman has had to deal with 81 complaints in the past 12 months relating to municipal and provincial governments and public service concerns in the Kenora-Rainy River riding.
There were 16 cases in the Kiiwetinoong riding.
In total, Paul Dube says his office fielded more than 25,000 complaints and inquiries across the province.
That’s a 25% increase over the previous year.
Dube says, “We see that as good news. The more we hear from Ontarians. The more we are able to help them resolve their issues and to identify larger systemic problems.”
He notes more than half of the cases were resolved within two weeks or less.
Dube says many complaints come down to communication.
“Municipalities have had to switch to virtual meetings and having problems with the technology and meetings are supposed to be done in the open. Some municipalities don’t necessarily have resources and it’s challenging.”
Brief Ombudsman complaint breakdown:
-Fort Frances: 5
-Ignace: 4
-Kenora: 2
-Kenora DSSAB: 4
-Keewatin-Patricia District School Board: 3
-Northwest Catholic School Board: 1
-Kenora Catholic School Board: 1
-Kenora Rainy River Child and Family Services: 8
-Tikinagan: 15
(With files from Randy Thoms)
