TORONTO — Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin could finally be out of a job Monday but the province is still looking for a replacement as his term comes to a close.
Government House Leader Yasir Naqvi sent a letter to his opposition counterparts Friday asking for Deputy Ombudsman Barbara Finlay to be appointed until a new Ombudsman is named.
“In March of 2015, we agreed to an all-party hiring panel to choose a new Ombudsman based on consensus. This panel has been working hard for six months, however based on our recent discussions it is apparent we have reached an impasse and that reaching a consensus may not be possible,” the letter stated.
“I believe strongly that we cannot let the Office of the Ombudsman become vacant. We will be reaching out to Barbara Finlay today to inform her of this decision.”
READ MORE: Ontario ombudsman gets 4 month extension after Twitter plea
Naqvi said a number of “strong candidates” have applied for the position and that restarting the hiring process quickly will allow them to reply.
“I believe it necessary to re-start the hiring process as quickly as possible,” Naqvi wrote.
“We can all agree on the important work the Ombudsman does on behalf of Ontarians and that it is incumbent on all of us to ensure we chose the best candidate for this role.”
Marin’s term in office officially expires Monday. He has spent more than a decade on the job.
Marin took to Twitter Friday and said that he is “not done til the fat lady sings” and said that he had successfully reapplied for his job in 2010 while still in his position.
He said that he hoped the government’s motion is reconsidered and that he knew of no precedent four kicking an officer of the legislature “to the curb” while reappointment was ongoing.
Marin also provided other examples of both a former information and privacy commissioner and environment commissioner who were not removed while reappointment decisions were ongoing.
An avid social media user, he has been criticized in the past for his often pugilistic tone. He has previously waded into debates on Hydro One billing practices, overcrowded jails, unlicensed daycares and police de-escalation policies after the shooting death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim.
Marin took to Twitter in May to make a public plea to have his contract extended.
“Not to appear precipitous or anything, but after 10 + years on the job, was told I’d b re-appointed temporarily for at least 4 months when my term expired,” Marine wrote on Twitter. “Yep. In less than 48 hours, u have no Ombudsman. Time to make ur voice heard.”
READ MORE: Ontario Ombudsman details ‘shocking’ billing practices at Hydro One
Marin declined to comment Friday, but he’ll still be able to apply for the position. Sources said in May about 60 people had applied.
Marin is the province’s sixth ombudsman since the office was established in 1975 and the first to be reappointed in 2010. Marin took on the role in 2005.
With files from David Shum
Comments