André Marin

• The Career and Impact of André Marin: From Legal Advocate to Ontario Ombudsman

André Marin’s career has been marked by a commitment to justice and accountability, beginning with his early days in the legal field and extending into significant roles as an investigator and ombudsman. Born out of a dedication to public service, Marin's journey reflects a deep concern for fairness and transparency in various sectors of government.

• Educational Background

Marin’s academic journey began at Carleton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985. His pursuit of legal expertise led him to the University of Ottawa, where he obtained his Licentiate in Law (LLL) in 1988, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in 1989. This strong educational foundation set the stage for his future roles in the legal and public service arenas.

• Early Legal Career

After completing his studies, Marin embarked on his professional career as an assistant Crown Attorney in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1991. During this time, he also took on a role as a part-time law instructor, sharing his legal knowledge with the next generation of students. His dual roles highlighted his commitment to both practical legal work and education.

• Director of Ontario's Special Investigations Unit

In September 1996, Marin took on a new challenge as the Director of Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The SIU is responsible for investigating incidents involving police officers that result in serious injury or death. Under Marin’s leadership, the SIU launched over 300 investigations, which led to five charges. Despite these efforts, no convictions were secured during his tenure. This period was crucial in shaping Marin’s understanding of the complexities of investigative work and the challenges of holding public officials accountable.

• Military Ombudsman

Marin’s career took another significant turn in June 1998 when he was appointed as Canada’s first military ombudsman. This role involved handling complaints from members of the Canadian Armed Forces, focusing on issues within the military that required independent review. His appointment marked an important step in establishing a formal mechanism for addressing grievances within the armed forces.

• Ombudsman of Ontario

On April 1, 2005, Marin was appointed as the Ombudsman of Ontario by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This position allowed him to extend his focus on accountability and transparency to the provincial level. Marin was reappointed for a second term on June 1, 2010, which extended until May 31, 2015. During his tenure, he tackled various significant issues, bringing to light important concerns within the province.

• Reports and Findings

Marin’s work as the Ombudsman of Ontario was marked by several impactful reports that addressed critical issues:

1. Ontario Lottery Retailer Fraud Scandal (March 2:007) Marin’s office released a report detailing misconduct related to the lottery retailer fraud scandal. This report shed light on fraudulent activities within the lottery system and underscored the need for greater oversight and reform.

2. 2010 G-20 Toronto Summit (December 2010): Following the G-20 summit in Toronto, Marin’s office released a report criticizing the provincial government for passing secret regulations that allowed for the detention of protesters. Marin argued that these actions were illegal and violated citizens’ rights. His findings sparked public debate about the balance between security measures and civil liberties.

3.London, Ontario City Council (October 2013): In a report criticizing London Mayor Joe Fontana and city councilors, Marin highlighted a secret meeting held at a restaurant where city business was discussed. The councilors and mayor denied the allegations, but Marin’s report raised questions about transparency and accountability in local governance.

4. Unlicensed Home Daycares (November 2014): Perhaps one of his most impactful reports came in November 2014, when Marin addressed the tragic deaths of four children in unlicensed home daycares. The investigation was triggered by the death of a two-year-old child in Vaughan. Marin’s report criticized the Liberal government for its "systematic government ineptitude," which he believed contributed to the deaths. He issued 113 recommendations, urging immediate action to improve the safety and regulation of home daycares.

• Conclusion

André Marin’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to justice, accountability, and public service. From his early days as a Crown Attorney to his influential role as the Ombudsman of Ontario, Marin has consistently worked to uncover the truth and advocate for systemic improvements. His reports have not only highlighted significant issues within various sectors but have also driven reforms and increased public awareness. Marin’s legacy is one of dedication to making government more transparent and accountable to the people it serves.