New Toronto Ombudsman to Start August 23: Mr. Kwame Addo

Toronto City Council has unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Kwame Addo as Toronto’s third Ombudsman. Mr. Addo brings extensive experience to the position, having spent most of his professional career working in Ombudsman organizations.

Mr. Addo began working in the field at Ombudsman Ontario and moved to Ombudsman Toronto in 2009. As Director of Investigations and Conflict Resolution, he played a key role in the creation of the office, the first municipal Ombudsman in the province of Ontario. Mr. Addo provided Ombudsman Toronto with exemplary service and leadership for a decade until his appointment as Ryerson University’s Ombudsperson in 2019.

“I am very excited and honoured to be chosen as Toronto’s next Ombudsman,” says Mr. Addo. “Having worked at the office previously, I have seen first-hand the positive impact it can have on the lives of the City’s residents. I look forward to reconnecting with Ombudsman Toronto’s fabulous team and to continuing to advocate for fairness on behalf of all Torontonians.”

Ombudsman Susan E. Opler says she is delighted that Toronto City Council has appointed Kwame Addo to be Toronto’s next Ombudsman. “Kwame has a long history of distinguished service in the Ombudsman community, including ten years at Ombudsman Toronto. I know him to be a person of great integrity and a true bridge-builder. I consider Kwame not just a respected colleague, but also a friend.”

Susan Opler will remain in her post as Toronto’s Ombudsman until July 22, 2021, at which time Deputy Ombudsman Ciarán Buggle will serve as interim Ombudsman until Mr. Addo begins his seven-year, non-renewable appointment as Toronto’s Ombudsman on August 23, 2021.

“As I pass the baton to Kwame,” says Susan Opler, “I do so confident that he will uphold and enhance the reputation of Ombudsman Toronto as our local government’s voice for fairness. He is well-known, trusted and widely admired for his calm, thoughtful and wise approach and his deep commitment to fairness and equity.”

An Ombudsman Toronto backgrounder is available at ombudsmantoronto.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Alex Kruger
Outreach and Communications Coordinator
Ombudsman Toronto
Office: 416-338-3023
Cell: 647-472-0873
Alex.Kruger@toronto.ca

Ombudsman Toronto listens to and investigates people’s complaints and concerns about City of Toronto administration and the fairness of City of Toronto services. We are a free and impartial office that operates independently from the City of Toronto, holding it accountable to the people it serves.