TORONTO – Toronto Ombudsman Fiona Crean wants to get to the root of city service congestion at city hall by launching an investigation into red tape.
“Red tape not only waste times and resources, but wastes time for citizens and businesses,” said Crean during a press conference Thursday morning.
The Ombudsman said a review of complaints by staff members over the past four years revealed that more than 50 per cent of them have some elements of red tape.
“It actually blocks residents from getting the fair and equitable service they are entitled to,” Crean said. “Red tape is a waste of taxpayers dollars.”
Crean would not divulge how much red tape costs taxpayers but said it will be part of the probe.
As part of the investigation, the Ombudsman is asking citizens for their input by logging onto the office’s website at www.ombudstoronto.ca to tell their story.
“We’re taking a different approach. I’m inviting residence to come forward to tell us their experience,” she said.
Crean defines red tape as “needless duplication or overly complex procedures, as well as rules, regulations and procedures that provide no benefit to the public” when “they deal with one or more areas of city government.”
The Ombudsman investigates public complaints independent of city government and reports to the legislative body, which is Toronto City Council.
The office makes recommendations to change conduct, practice or policy that uncovers improper administration.
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