Ombudsman's Office

The Roles and Responsibilities of the Ombudsman

The DICO Ombudsman investigates complaints and recommends solutions. These complaints must relate to regulatory issues between insured institutions and DICO or to disputes between depositors or borrowers related to credit unions that are being liquidated and cannot be resolved at the operational level. The Ombudsman assists in resolving problems by helping the complainant to define options and by recommending actions to the parties involved, but the Ombudsman cannot at any time decide on matters in dispute or advocate the position of the complainant, DICO or other parties.

The Ombudsman does not handle any matter:

  • subject to a formal hearing process or appeal to the Tribunal as set out in the Act;
  • involving an enforcement action where an order has been issued;
  • in litigation;
  • involving an order for administration or liquidation; or
  • any regulatory action within the Superintendent of Financial Institutions jurisdiction.

All information and materials obtained as a result of a complainant's interview and any confidential records gathered during an investigation will be used only for purposes of the investigation and will not be disclosed outside of the Ombudsman's Office.

The Ombudsman will also make recommendations to the DICO Board for systemic changes to deal with recurring problems revealed through investigations.

The Ombudsman reports to the DICO Board and is independent from operational programs.


Email: Ombudsman at DICO

Telephone: 416-325-9446


Formal Complaint Resolution Process

The following procedures have been established to ensure proper functioning of the Office of the Ombudsman. They concern the formal complaint resolution process providing insured institutions and/or individuals the information needed to get in touch with the people who can resolve problems.

1. Complaints should be first addressed to the Vice President responsible for the area of complaint:

Main Contact Information

  • Telephone: 416-325-9444 or 1 800 268-6653 toll free
  • Fax: 416-325-9722 or 416-325-9439
  • Email: info@dico.com

For Insured Institutions regarding insurance, premiums, monitoring, inspections, examinations and supervision

Contact: Barry Brydges, Vice President


For issues dealing with insurance payouts, loan collections of institutions in liquidation

Contact: Bill Foster, Vice President

  • Telephone: 416-325-9720
  • Fax: 416-325-9722
  • Email: Bill Foster

For issues dealing with regulatory orders, variations, applications, decisions and appeals, interpretations of the Act and regulations

Contact: Richard Dale, Director

  • Telephone: 416-325-9422
  • Fax: 416-325-9722
  • Email: Richard Dale

For Corporate issues dealing with accounting, finance and human resources

Contact: Jim Maxwell, Chief Administrative and Financial Officer

  • Telephone: 416-325-9331
  • Fax: 416-325-9722
  • Email: Jim Maxwell

2. If the complaint has not been resolved at this level please contact Andy Poprawa, President and CEO:

  • Telephone: 416-325-9580
  • Fax: 416-325-9568
  • Email: Andy Poprawa

3. If the complainant still feels that the dispute has not been resolved please contact the Office of the Ombudsman:

  • Telephone: 416-325-9446
  • Fax: 416-325-9568
  • Email: Ombudsman

Beryl RobertoProfile of Beryl Roberto, DICO Ombudsman

Beryl Roberto has significant experience within the credit union system of Ontario and retired from her position as President and Chief Executive Officer of a mid-sized credit union in early 2008. Beryl is an Associate of the Credit Union Institute of Canada and has held trusted positions on various system committees and groups for a number of years. Beryl is committed to resolving complaints fairly and in a timely manner while always considering the confidential nature of all information provided during the process.

 

Complaint Forms

  • Complaint Forms - Helpful information on how to make a complaint.

If you are a member (depositor) of a credit union and have a consumer complaint that you feel has not been addressed by your credit union, please contact the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO).