Outreach and engagement

Our team goes to conferences, community gatherings, local fairs and other events to share information, listen to concerns and answer questions.

We believe in learning from communities about the problems they’re facing so we can help improve public services.

Connecting with communities

We regularly connect with Ontarians, associations, groups and organizations across the province. This allows us to:

  • Learn about your experiences and concerns so we can better support you
  • Make sure you’re treated fairly when you deal with government and public services
  • Build stronger ties with local and provincial organizations to reach people who need our support

At our outreach and engagement activities, we meet and hear from:

  • Indigenous people
  • Children, youth and families (including young people in care)
  • French speakers
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
  • Newcomers to Ontario
  • Older adults
  • College and university students
  • People with disabilities
  • Other equity-deserving groups

Working together for fairness

Our team goes to conferences, community gatherings, local fairs and other events to share information, listen to concerns and answer questions. We believe in learning from communities about the problems they’re facing so we can help improve public services.

We also offer presentations, training and resources in multiple languages for groups that want to learn how we can help.

Where you can find us in the next few months:

  • June 26-28, Toronto - Toronto Pride Parade and Streetfair
  • August 8 and 9, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory - Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow
  • August 16-19, Ottawa - Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Annual Conference
  • August 22 and 23, Rama First Nation - Rama Pow Wow

Where we’ve been recently:

The grave of a young person in Neskantaga First Nation

Neskantaga First Nation visit

The Ombudsman, along with the Director of our Children and Youth Unit, was invited by Chief Gary Quisess to the community of Neskantaga First Nation, an Ojibwe community located on Attiwapiskat Lake in Northern Ontario, close to 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.

Staff person, alongside ASL interpreter, speaking to person at event

Mayfest 2025

Ombudsman staff attending Mayfest, an event organized by the Ontario Association of the Deaf.

Commissioner speaking to attendee at event

Gala for Black History Month organized by Centre Francophone du Grand Toronto

French Language Services Commissioner Carl Bouchard speaks to an attendee at the Gala for Black History Month organized by Centre Francophone du Grand Toronto.

  • 2025 Provincial Forum of the Three Francophone Immigration Networks
  • 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag
  • Active Living Seniors Health and Wellness Fair
  • Annual Conference of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO)
  • Annual Conference of the Association des juristes d'expression française de l'Ontario (AJEFO)
  • Annual Conference of the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO)
  • Annual Conference of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)
  • Annual Conference of the Ontario Association of School Business Officials (OASBO)
  • Annual Conference of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA)
  • Association francophone des municipalités de l'Ontario (AFMO) conference
  • Annual General Assembly and Leadership Conference for the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)
  • Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Annual Conference
  • Bastille Day, Toronto
  • Chiefs of Ontario's Annual Chiefs Assembly 
  • Chippewas of Rama Pow Wow Celebration
  • Communauté du Trille blanc Gala
  • Durham Youth Pride
  • ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency 1st Annual Pow wow
  • Flag Raising, International Francophonie Day
  • Forum franco-ontarien des affaires
  • Franco-Fête de la communauté Urbaine de Toronto
  • Francophone Fair, Vaughan Library
  • Francophonie Month Celebration of Durham
  • Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre Pow wow
  • Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow
  • Little Native Hockey League annual tournament
  • Mayfest, an annual event hosted by the Ontario Association of the Deaf
  • Neskantaga First Nation visit
  • Newcomer Welcome Day, Toronto Region Ivorian Community Association
  • Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA)'s Public Education Symposium
  • Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations (OSSCO) events and wellness fairs across the province
  • Powwows in Curve Lake, Fort William, Moose Factory, North Bay, Rat Portage, Walpole Island and more
  • Student Job Fair at the Université de l’Ontario français
  • Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
  • Toronto Book Fair
  • Toronto Newcomer Day
  • Toronto Pride Parade and Streetfair