Effective watchdogs bark: The role of communications at the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario

Abstract

This commentary piece describes the role of communications at the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario. Seven practices are describted that the Office of the Ombudsman has developed to effectively build appropriate relationships with key publics. Also described is the role of the ombudsman first, detailing how it is an Office of Legislature, appointed by an all-party committee and that the office has oversight of more than 500 provincial ministries, corporations, agencies, boards, commissions and tribunals. Finally, the evolving jurisdiction and growing influence of the Ombudsman is discussed in relation to the effect of strategic communications management.  ©Journal of Professional Communication, all rights reserved.