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The Essentials for Ombuds is a five-day intensive training collaboration between the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman and Osgoode Professional Development.

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Now in its sixth year, this unique program, both comprehensive and in-depth, is intended to meet the needs of recent appointees to the Ombuds role or Office, as well as providing those with more experience an opportunity to become conversant with both the theory and practice of the Ombuds role, wherever it is located. You will develop a deeper understanding of the requirements and expectations for Ombuds by exploring and examining the myriad of evolving issues and challenges facing those who practise in the Ombuds field today, and by reviewing best practices of Ombuds across the country.

Taught by a highly distinguished faculty of practising Ombuds, lawyers and academics from across Canada, all of whom are leaders in their field, the certificate program will give you the theory, knowledge and practical skills to competently and confidently handle day-to-day challenges as well as more complex issues. The teaching style is a mixture of lectures, group discussion and hands-on practical exercises, providing a rich, interactive learning format.

Faculty

Program Directors

  • Nora Farrell, Ombudsperson, Ryerson University
  • Renée Gavigan, Deputy Ombudsman, Ombudsman Saskatchewan

Faculty

  • Kwame Addo, Director, Investigations & Conflict Resolution, Ombudsman Toronto
  • David B. Butt, Barrister
  • Jay Chalke, Ombudsperson of British Columbia
  • Fiona Crean, Chief Operating Officer, Indspire
  • Ian Darling, Chair, Condominium Tribunal for Ontario; former Ombudsperson for Tarion Warranty Corporation and former Ombudsperson for Fanshawe College
  • Nora Farrell, Ombudsperson, Ryerson University
  • Barbara Finlay, Deputy Ombudsman, Province of Ontario
  • Barry Fleming, Citizens’ Representative for Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Renée Gavigan, Deputy Ombudsman, Ombudsman Saskatchewan
  • Mary McFadyen, Ombudsman and Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner, Province of Saskatchewan
  • Becky McFarlane, Program Director, The 519 Church Street Community Centre
  • Sandra Morrison, Organizational Ombudsman, Scotiabank, Toronto
  • Shirley R. Nakata, Ombudsperson for Students, University of British Columbia
  • Guy Parent, Veterans Ombudsman
  • Johanne Savard, Ombudsman, City of Montréal
  • Professor Lorne Sossin, Dean, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
  • Mark Wright, Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI)

Agenda

Fees

Fees include attendance, program materials, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments for each of the 5 days of the program. The price does not include accommodations. Please inquire about group discounts and financial assistance. Fees paid by individuals are eligible for a tuition tax credit. Dress is business casual.

Program Changes

We will make every effort to present the certificate program as advertised, but it may be necessary to change the dates, location, speakers or content with little or no notice. In the event of program cancellation, York University and Osgoode Hall Law School’s liability is limited to reimbursement of paid fees.

Certificate of Program Completion

You will receive a certificate upon completion of The Osgoode/FCO Certificate - Essentials for Ombuds. Participants must attend all program modules and successfully complete the take-home assignment to receive a certificate.

Substitutions, Cancellations and Refunds

Substitution of registrants is permitted at any time. If you are unable to find a substitute, a full refund is available if a cancellation request is received in writing 21 days prior to the program date. If a cancellation request is made with less than 21 days notice, a $150 administration fee will apply. No other refund is available.

Technical Support

In the event you experience technical difficulties, please contact opdsupport@osgoode.yorku.ca for assistance.

FAQs

Have questions? Read our FAQs.

Program Details

Questions on program registration?
Please contact the Registration Team at osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca

Questions on the program content?
Please contact the Program Lawyer:
Stéphane McRoberts at smcroberts@osgoode.yorku.ca

Program Details

Date & Time

September 24-28, 2018

Location

Osgoode Professional Development Centre,
1 Dundas St. W., 26th Floor Toronto, ON

Fee per Delegate

$3,245 plus HST

Join the Waitlist

Printable Registration Form

Eligible CPD Credit Hours

Questions?

Who Should Attend

  • Ombuds (working in legislated roles or in public and private sector organizations or associations established by policy, Charter, Order-in-Council, etc.)
  • Assistant / Deputy Ombuds, and Directors in Ombuds offices
  • Early Resolution Staff
  • Conflict Resolution Staff working in an Ombuds context
  • Dispute Resolution Officers
  • Fairness Commissioners/ Fairness Practitioners
  • Integrity Commissioners
  • Citizens’ Representatives
  • Investigators / Senior Investigators in an Ombuds context
  • Complaint-handling staff in both private and public sector organizations
  • Public Editors (at newspapers and other media outlets)
  • Legal or other specialized counsel to Ombuds Offices

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“Very dynamic and engaging presentations supported by great examples.”

“Wonderful. Well-planned and well-executed. A must for anyone new to this field or recently appointed. Great speakers ‒ inspiring!”

Hotels & Parking

If you require accommodations in downtown Toronto, OsgoodePD has arranged Corporate Rates with several hotels within walking distance of our downtown conference centre.

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