NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is renewing her call for the McGuinty government to grant the Ontario Ombudsman oversight of the so-called “MUSH” sector – municipalities, universities, school boards, and -hospitals and long-term care facilities, as well as Children’s Aid Society.

In his annual report released earlier today, Ombudsman André Marin revealed his office received 2,366 complaints regarding the MUSH sector, however, he continues to lack the jurisdiction to investigate them.

“These are institutions that Ontarians come into contact with on a daily basis,” said Horwath.

“The Ombudsman has long called for this oversight and I wholeheartedly agree that he should have it. As the growing number of complaints suggest, too many Ontarians are being left in vulnerable situations that cannot be investigated.”

Last year, Horwath and NDP MPP France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) both introduced Private Member’s Bills that would have extended Ombudsman oversight to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and children’s aid societies. The Ombudsman made reference to the bills in his annual report.

“While I am happy that Mr. Marin welcomes the legislation New Democrats have brought forward, I remain frustrated that the McGuinty government does not see the same value in making these much-needed changes,” said Horwath, noting that Ontario remains the only province in Canada without Ombudsman oversight of public hospitals.

Horwath added that she is alarmed at the Ombudsman’s revelation that some Ontario families are still being forced to give up custody of disabled children in order to access adequate levels of care. The issue was first raised in the Ombudsman’s 2005 annual report.

“It is disturbing that this issue remains unresolved. The McGuinty government must take it seriously, so that families can get peace of mind that they won’t have to make the impossible choice between adequate care and retaining custody,” said Horwath.