Ontario Ombudsman

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin is every bit the man behind his Twitter account. He has a wife, children, pets, suffers from asthma, and shares these bits of his life on his account, just as the millions of others who signed up for Twitter. Are his Twitter feuds simply because he can investigate some areas of the government and not all,or because of opinions or reports after meetings and investigations? It depends on who you ask. If you think you are phasing André, I'm here to say you aren't even close. I had the privilege of meeting him this past summer, and he is everything he sets out to be online. He genuinely cares about the wellbeing of all Ontarians. I know because I had a rough night before meeting him, and at 2am, believed nobody would respond to my tweets. Then he sent me a direct message. Because I knew his staff sometimes managed the account, I asked if it was him, and when he said it was,we chatted for a short time before signing off. I understand people are going to express themselves,which is fine, but before you tweet hurtful remarks to someone who could help if you are struggling with something his office has mandate to investigate, think about what you are saying and if it would impact future assistance from his staff. There is always room for open dialogue, and both André and the general population aren't shy at expressing, but I think, we all, me included, should try to find a way to get the point across without creating too much trouble. Yes we all know what we signed up for, but our use of social media has turned most into bullies and whether you are Ontario Ombudsman or not you need to have a level of tolerance if you refuse to have a level of acceptance.
(FTR: André did not ask me to do this article)

Dear Jack Layton

I realize you're gone, but I never had the opportunity to meet you. I also realize I shouldn't be writing this when stress has taken over me and my emotions are forming a lump in my throat. I always feel like I am whining so I hope this doesn't get the same treatment. I realize that you'll never read this, but I am sharing this online because I feel like it may get something accomplished though I'm not sure what. I've heard so much about you since watching your service. There are no words I could put together to best describe how watching your service impacted my life, and me personally. I'm so lost. How do you live a life where your biological,foster,adoptive, step adoptive parents,grandparents,aunts,uncles,some cousins,disown you for the person you are simply because you were ripped of culture from your birth mom?? I've tried everything. Walks, baths, reading, writing, watching tv, smashing plates, talking, amongst other things. They say to work for what you want, things don't come for free. When I moved to Toronto, I was forced into Toronto's homeless shelter system, where I got life lessons that sent me on the right path but those days were also hiding the abuse I endured from staff and residents, verbal,sexual,physical,emotional,spiritual are all that I endured even through my struggles with my addicted family members and their issues that impacted the innocent children of my younger sister. I'm sure you're not happy with my actions or the person I've become. But we both know I am not the only one to blame.
I cut ties with family to help myself and the kids better. It wasn't easy and remains a struggle today. I last participated in my community when they were still in my life so going back into the community is going to be hard but I'm hoping to give it a try. I took a trip to Simcoe last March and by May I decided I wanted to move but kept toying with pros and cons until August. This move means I'll be permanently walking away from the one thing I've wanted my whole life. Family. Letting go and change are and always have been my weakest points. With PTSD,OCDand eating disorder behaviors, I'm not sure how this will go so I am hoping a trip to the community will help. I don't have many people to just casually call and never get visitors. But I have had the opportunity to meet Ontario Ombudsman André Marin, Police Chief Bill Blair, Lieutenant Governor David Onley, Minister Eric Hoskins, MPP Toby Barrett, some city councillors including your son Mike. I shared how after your service, I scrambled to find a skirt, then material to do a bundle (I wanted orange for NDP). Then took what I had down to the 2 trees on the property I'd started caring for. I asked Creator to give me a sign that you made your journey safely. I didn't care if that meant a squirrel coming by or the wind blowing and before the tobacco tie was placed, a squirrel approached the tree just as the wind started blowing. I'm not sure why suddenly these memories are coming back but as much as I'd like you to think I'm grateful, unfortunately I'm in such a dark place and can't. I am on Team NDP. Don't get me wrong. I just need to step aside because my heart is temporarily misplaced. I worked hard for my community and was the number 7 tweeter for the Idle No More movement. I was proud of that. I got connected to an officer who knew a friend of my mom's. He saved me from suicide although I think he should've let me do it. They say they can't help until you yourself help you first. And although I usually know how, I never had someone to care for me. People tell me its too late, it'll never happen,to move on. I do respect you enough not to discuss workers. All I will say is that relationship is and will always be toxic. Every level of government has failed me, and my community. I would participate in events, meetings and travel to get heard, make a difference, but without balance, because I don't sleep, and my stress impacts my eating habits. And not in gaining weight either. I am hoping to make my dream of touring the Coca Cola place in Toronto. OMG, I've made this about me. Because I never knew you, this letter is awkward. I remember a time my life got dark, and on Christmas break, I took a knife and sliced my wrist and didn't flinch as the knife moved my veins. Workers did nothing but add to that distress. Nothing about that's changed, except the workers. I've tried everything humanly possible but no councillors are helping. I don't want to give up, but with my history of pill popping, slicing, and taking risks, its never a far from my mind kind of thought. I don't know what I did to earn this life. Its also sad when my mother is too mentally unstable and caught up in her addictions to realize I am not to blame for my existence. I remember taking to Twitter to tweet suicidal thoughts. It was around 2am. I didn't think anyone was paying attention if they were up. But as I was about to close it, I received a private message from André Marin, whom tweets personally unless noted so imagine my shock. That approach, and interaction sticks with me. City council,311, Ontario Ombudsman, Toronto Ombudswoman can't do anything for my situation and nobody has been willing to work to get balance,except Paul Ainslie although workers are arranging meetings last minute to try silencing me and excluding outsiders. This is not the NDP way. This is not the Jack Layton Way. And yet my worker worked on your campaign. They do, say, act however they wish without consequences but if I try, all hell breaks loose. But if I play the if you can why can't I card, more responsibilities are added to my already overflowing plate. All levels of government have disrespected you by allowing this treatment of Aboriginal people continue. I hope you are the reason we had inclement weather this summer and winter because for both I struggled with eating and getting by because nobody checked on me. I miss you despite not getting to know you. I trust only your guidance. Send me messages. I'll try to listen. But know that there'll be times of frustration and things may happen. (I think you're reading this because my song changed from Get Busy to Frozen by Madonna). Miigwetch Jack (tears are flowing!!)
Nadia Joy
@nadia_fordham on Twitter

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