Canadian Banking Ombuds Releases Year-End Review

Established in 1996 as an alternative to the legal system, the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments is an independent organization providing dispute resolution service for Canadian consumers or small businesses with unresolved complaints involving their financial services firm. In its 2008 annual review, OBSI reports that it opened 670 case files, a 43% increase from 2007 and a more than 100% increase over the last two years. The number of facilitated settlements more than tripled to 91 in 2008. Also, OBSI’s Board of Directors approved Revised Terms of Reference, which will be implemented in Spring 2009. (OBSI Annual Review.)

New Canadian Banking Ombuds Named

The Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments has appointed Douglas Melville as its ombudsman and chief executive officer. OBSI is a voluntary dispute-resolution service established in 1996 that deals with complaints between participating Canadian financial service firms and their clients. Melville has been serving as interim ombudsman since mid-May, following the resignation of David Agnew. "Mr. Melville brings to the Ombudsman role a rich and varied background in financial services, dispute resolution, public policy, media, government, and community relations," said Peggy-Anne Brown, chair of OBSI's board of directors. Melville originally joined the organization in 2006 as senior deputy ombudsman for banking services. He earned his BA from Carleton University, a JD and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario, and an LLM from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. (Toronto Star.)

Related post: Canadian Banking Ombuds Releases Year-End Review.

FCO/ACCUO Posts 2015 Conference Agenda

The biennial joint conference of the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman and the Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons, "50 Years of Fairness: People, Purpose, Passion" will take place May 10-13, 2015 at the Wosk Centre in Vancouver, BC. The event will include annual general meetings for FCO and ACCUO and pre-conference training programs. 

FCO and Osgoode Law Offer Second Ombuds Certificate Program

For the second year, the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman and Osgoode Hall Law School at York University will offer Essentials for Ombuds. The five-day program will be offered September 22–26, 2014 at in downtown Toronto.

FCO/Osgoode Ombuds Certificate Program Returns in Fall 2020

The certificate program, "Essentials for Ombuds," by the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman and Osgoode Professional Development continues for its eighth year. Taught by distinguished Ombuds, lawyers, and academics from across Canada, the training is offered twice a year in Toronto. This fall, the in-person course is planned for September 28 through October 2, 2020.

FCO-ACCUO 2017 Conference Registration Opens

The Forum of Canadian Ombudsman and the Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons have announced details of their biennial conference, set for May 15-17, 2017 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa.  The theme of the meeting is, "The Work of Ombudsman: Holding Governments and Organizations to Account."

Former Ombuds to Head Seneca College

David Agnew has been selected as the fifth president of the community college for applied arts and technology in Toronto. Agnew comes to Seneca after serving as the Canadian Ombudsman of Banking Services and Investments since 2005. Liz MacLennan currently serves as the Ombudsperson for Seneca College and reports to the office of the president. (Seneca College News; OBSI Profile.)

FCO/Osgoode Open Registration for Fall 2019 Ombuds Certificate Program

Registration for the seventh annual Ombuds certification program offered by the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman and Osgoode Professional Development is now open. The program at York University will take place September 23-27, 2019 in downtown Toronto.