BY: BRITTNEY CHANNER
For those who have been following my social justice contributions for the past couple of months will notice very quickly the re-occurring theme, justice. From education to legal equality, poverty, and accessible housing, all of these topics, in particular, are essential starting points in creating change. However, as straightforward as this task may seem, I must admit that tackling some of these exhausting issues head-on is quite complex. On a daily basis, many individuals and those in power convey the importance of living, breathing and creating justice in one’s own life.
Through personal familiarity and the many opinions of others, the difficult task of where to begin when trying to seek justice, can be such a grueling and discouraging task. Seeking justice is also overwhelming at times especially if one does not know where or whom to turn to in regards to their concerns. This very example contributes to one of the main reasons why so many Canadians choose not to voice their concerns regarding acts of inequality and discrimination.
Nonetheless, it is adamant that I share with you pieces of useful information that you can utilize, the next time you are in a particular circumstance, where your rights as a Canadian citizen are being violated in any way shape or form.
Contact your Ombudsman
Have a complaint regarding an unfair issue happening to you or your family? Well, contacting your local Ombudsman may be the first step in seeking the solutions you require. The role of the Ombudsman is to listen, investigate complaints and concerns about unfairness within the city. The role of the Ombudsman is to promote fairness amongst city services and help the public investigate, mediate and find solutions to problems.
The Ombudsman oversees many sectors within the city of Toronto such as the Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto Community Housing, Parks Forestry & Recreation and much more. The Ombudsman of Toronto pride themselves on being an effective and independent voice for the city of Toronto which allows them to shine a light on a wide range of problems while recommending improvements without “taking sides”.
Think you’re ready to make a complaint? First, ensure that the Ombudsman oversees the division, agency, corporation or adjudicative body that you are making a complaint against. Once you have achieved this, you can begin your complaint via phone, email, fax, in person or online. What happens next? Well, the waiting game begins. However, you will be informed and kept up to date on the status of your complaint and hopefully within a reasonable time be able to seek the answers you require.
Not truly satisfied with the results from contacting your Ombudsman’s? Well, maybe option two may be of some assistance.
Email your Premier
Two weeks ago, I decided to contact the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, regarding a family matter I was dealing with. I did not think my email would reach far nor acquire a response but, to my delight, Doug Ford himself, (or who I think was Doug) replied back to me and forwarded my email to the right individual on his cabinet. Depending on the seriousness of your inquiry/complaint, contacting your Premier and making them aware of the issues that are affecting you and or your family may be necessary.
The Premier of Ontario is the head of government of a province or a territory and hold influential power when implementing policies for the province, and ensuring provincial laws and policies are carried out. For someone who holds this type of power, why wouldn’t you make them aware of your complaints; especially when their roles and responsibilities primary affect you and everyone else in the province.
Although the thought of messaging the Premier of Ontario may seem a bit intimidating at first, all emails are guaranteed a reply which begins your first step of taking justice into your own hands; the right way that is. Should you want to start the process of emailing the Premier, going to the Ontario government website allocated to the Premier of Ontario is where you can begin this process.
There are many other ways one can seek justice such as contacting your mayor, emailing your city councilor or your member of parliament. Regardless of whom you choose, they have all taken on the responsibility to represent you, your families and your concerns. Although it may be terrifying to get in contact with them at first, you MUST take advantage of the opportunity given to you and make those in power hear your voices. It may take time, but as my fellow writer Alyssa Mahadeo likes to say “Nothing gets resolved until you make enough noise about it”.
