1. REPORT TO THE MINISTER'S OFFICE OF THE ONTARIO MINISTRY
OF COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES
PUBLIC ADVISORY NOTICE TO THE CANADIAN NATIONAL TAX PAYERS COALITION –
OMBUDSMAN REPORT – FALL 2009
PUBLIC NOTICE TO STANDING COMMITTEE FOR HIGH-NEED STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS – I have the privilege and
opportunity to report to this program office that the Canadian Federation of Students and Canada-Wide Law School Student's
Service – commonly known as) ProBono Law Students Association – were served today September 04, 2009
● INVESTIGATION INTO ONTARIO DISABILITY SUPPORT PROGRAM BENEFITS, MISREPORTED TO THE NATIONAL STUDENT
LOANS SERVICE CENTRE DUE TO DELAY WITH REPORT TO CANADA REVENUE AGENCY 1996-1997 ONLY
● On September 02, 2009, the Ontario Government was notified about a possible misuse of information provided by program staff
seeking to investigate a claim made by an independent government-agency about the more recent history of the person named.
● The Minister's Office of the Ontario Government's Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services was notified when it received
a call back by its beneficiary reporting that she was being inundated by nuisance telephone inquiries. Later on, she discovered
that program staff were releasing confidential information about her eligibility to receive disability benefits through the
Ontario Government.
● The Ontario Disability Support Program office located at 47 Sheppard Avenue in Toronto obviously misinformed their client on
September 01, 2009. She was advised that her benefits could be terminated if she requested to be taken off of the program. In
turn, program staff sanctioned her for suspension despite notice that she could be removed from the program.
● The beneficiary now reports to the Minister's Office that the release of information is a prohibited ground of discrimination contrary
to the Freedom Of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). In our review, under no circumstances should members
of the Ontario Government misuse or exchange confidential information that pertains to the Ontario Government's assessment
of a recipient's eligibility to receive disability benefits.
● Officials within the Ontario Government refused to consent when on September 02, 2009, a telephone call was received indicating
to her that the ongoing internal review lasting over 5-months now would be ongoing.
● At this point the Minister's Office was contacted because based on a reading of information that was obtained the income
verification specialist lied in her update about the status of the student's Canada-Ontario student loans. Ultimately, she has
served notice that unless and until this internal review is finalized by September 17, 2009, then this matter could be heard
before another forum on a substantial indemnity basis to the respondent.
● For details about this internal review process visit her posting that will be available online on or about September 17, 2009.
● 04/09/2009 00:00 EST Posted by: Rosemary DeCaires