July 2, 1998
To:Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee
From:Jack Layton
Co-Chair, Advisory Committee on Homeless and Socially Isolated Persons
Subject:Hostel Ombudsperson
Purpose:
To propose a one-year hostel ombudsperson pilot project, to be operated independently of the hostel system, which
would assist hostel users in resolving complaints with Toronto's hostel system.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
The cost of operating a hostel ombudsperson office in an established community-based agency for a period of one-year
is estimated at $100,000.00.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1)Council approve funds in an amount no greater than $100,000.00 for a one-year hostel ombudsperson pilot project
operated independently of the hostel system;
2)the pilot project be funded through a purchase of service agreement with a community-based agency selected
through a proposal process; and
3)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Background:
On June 12, 1998, the Advisory Committee on Homeless and Socially Isolated Persons discussed the urgent need for a
hostel ombudsperson to assist hostel users in resolving complaints with Toronto's hostel system. The Committee
recommended the development of a one year hostel ombudsperson pilot project which would be operated independently
of the hostel system by a community-based organization which can demonstrate a capacity for providing such a service.
Discussion:
Hostel Ombudsperson:
The idea of an ombudsperson for Toronto's hostel system is not a new one. In the early 1990's, concerns about the
living and working conditions at Seaton House raised by one of the hostel residents developed into a proposal for an
independent client ombudsperson for Seaton House. Community Services staff broadened the idea into an ombudsperson
for the department however this recommendation was not supported by Council.
In July 1996, the Coroner's Inquest into the freezing deaths of Eugene Upper, Mirsalah-Aldin Kompani and Irwin
Anderson included, among its 23 recommendations, a call for an ombudsperson, independent of the hostel system, to
assist hostel users to resolve problems, including barrings and security of tenure.
Hostel Services Division have included dollars for an ombudsperson in both their 1997 and 1998 budgets which were
eventually rejected in the corporate budget process. However, support for the idea remains strong from all sectors,
including the hostel system. Approving a one-year pilot project, contracted to an appropriate community-based agency
through a purchase of service process, would allow Council to test the value and efficacy of such an initiative on a small
scale. A formal evaluation could then guide any future commitment of funds.
The Hostel Services Division have worked hard to improve the conditions in hostels, most significantly through the
restructuring process underway at Seaton House. Nevertheless, the original rationale for establishing a hostel
ombudsperson, most significantly the recommendation from the Coroner's Inquest, is still relevant. Hostels are usually
the last resort for people with very few options. This highlights their vulnerability in the system. Providing hostel users
with a neutral resource such as an ombudsperson would go a long way to ensuring their protection of rights and fair and
equitable access to the hostel system.
Municipal Ombudsperson:
The Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Committee of the former Metro Council recommended a municipal ombudsperson
for the new city. In 1995, the Ontario Ombudsman Office received 2,241 complaints and inquiries regarding the delivery
of municipal services in Metropolitan Toronto. It However, it is not within the mandate of the Ontario Ombudsman to
deal with municipal complaints. This office has jurisdiction over provincial "governmental organization" only which
does not include municipalities.
The Ontario Ombudsman, in her 1998 report to the legislature, recommended that the provincial government improve
accountability of municipal services. Although she did not directly call upon the Province to establish a municipal
ombudsman, this was implicit in her statement.
Conclusions:
The Advisory Committee supports a long-term goal of establishing a municipal ombudsperson office however, this type
of support is needed immediately for the hostel system. It is therefore recommended that Council approve a one-year
hostel ombudsperson pilot project, to be operated independently of the hostel system, to assist hostel users in resolving
complaints with Toronto's hostel system.
Jack Layton, Co-ChairAlison Kemper, Co-Chair
Advisory Committee on Advisory Committee on
Homeless & Socially Isolated PersonsHomeless & Socially Isolated Persons
