The Immoral List

The Ontario Ombudsman’s office claims to exist as an independent watchdog, ensuring public sector accountability. Yet, when faced with blatant administrative negligence, their response is little more than passing the buck. My ongoing struggle with TVO ILC and the Ministry of Education exemplifies the systemic failures of institutions that claim to serve the public but instead prioritize avoidance over accountability.

The Background

In my pursuit of completing my high school education through TVO ILC, I encountered numerous obstacles, including inconsistent policy enforcement, misleading information, and outright refusals to address legitimate concerns. My initial inquiries about the requirement to complete my last four credits in Ontario were met with vague responses and deflections. Despite repeated efforts to obtain a clear explanation, TVO ILC officials, including Director David Laredo and General Manager Roger Ramlalsingh, have chosen silence over transparency.

When these avenues failed, I sought intervention from the Ontario Ombudsman’s office, believing that an organization dedicated to oversight would at least ensure I received proper responses. However, I was instead directed back to the very same individuals who had ignored me in the first place.

The Ombudsman’s Office: An Office of Last Resort or Just a Waiting Room?

Angela Alibertis, an Early Resolution Officer at the Ontario Ombudsman’s office, initially advised me to follow up with TVO ILC and the Ministry of Education. After months of unacknowledged emails and unfulfilled promises from TVO ILC, I escalated my concerns again, only to receive a familiar refrain—wait longer and contact the same unresponsive officials.

The Ombudsman’s own website lists TVO as an entity they oversee, yet I was told that they do not intervene in TVO ILC matters. This contradiction raises a serious question: If the Ombudsman will not investigate blatant disregard for due process, what exactly is their function beyond bureaucratic deflection?

Deliberate Neglect and Financial Harm

Beyond the academic roadblocks, TVO ILC’s actions have directly impacted my financial well-being. Service Canada provides back payments for up to 12 months for students enrolled full-time. TVO ILC previously completed my enrollment form while I was part-time but now refuses to do so while I am full-time, deliberately hindering my ability to access financial support.

The refusal to respond, combined with blocking me on professional platforms like LinkedIn, suggests a coordinated effort to avoid accountability. Rather than address my concerns, these officials have chosen to erase my existence from their professional purview.

The Larger Issue: A System Designed to Exhaust Complainants

What my case highlights is not just individual negligence but a systemic flaw in Ontario’s oversight mechanisms. Institutions, when faced with scrutiny, opt for silence and strategic ignorance, knowing full well that most individuals will eventually give up. The Ombudsman’s office, rather than being a check against this behavior, appears complicit, offering only empty reassurances instead of meaningful action.

Final Thoughts

Accountability should not be optional, and transparency should not be conditional. TVO ILC and the Ontario Ombudsman’s office have both failed in their duty to uphold these principles. If institutions meant to protect public interests refuse to act, they should at least be honest about it rather than masquerading as advocates for fairness.

For those facing similar struggles, let this be a cautionary tale—when dealing with Ontario’s institutions, persistence is necessary, but expectations should remain low.