Join the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman

Online Membership for 2024 available.

Decide if you wish to apply as an Individual or as an Institutional member.

• Individual – Any individual with an interest in promoting the objectives of the FCO may apply for membership. Retired, International and Student memberships also available. See further below for detailed descriptions.
• Institutional Membership – It is generally expected that Ombudsman Offices become institutional members in the name of the organization. Membership fees vary for offices of 5 or fewer employees, offices of 6 to 20 persons, and for offices of more than 20 persons.

After submitting your online application, you will automatically receive an email confirmation with your Reference #. A separate transaction receipt will be sent for payments made by credit card.  If paying by cheque or EFT, the system will automatically generate an invoice (see details below).

Policies

Membership Dues

• Membership is valid from January 1 to December 31.
• Membership fees are in Canadian dollars.
• Membership fees are subject to 13% HST. If your organization is tax exempt, please contact the FCO Secretariat before you start.
• A fully paid membership is considered in good standing.

Payment Options

• BY CREDIT CARD:   Payment can be made online by VISA, debit Visa, MasterCard or American Express at the time of registration. You will be asked to provide your Customer Verification Number (CVN) when paying by credit card.
• VIA BANK TRANSFER (EFT):  Contact the FCO Secretariat for banking details after completing your online membership. This is the preferred method over cheque.
• BY CHEQUE:  Make cheque payable to the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman.   Please print your invoice and send it along with the cheque to the FCO Secretariat. Membership dues must be paid within one (1) calendar month of the membership renewal date.

FCO Secretariat
18 Fire Route 40
Havelock, ON Canada K0L 1Z0.

Transferability of FCO Membership
Individual Memberships are not transferable. Institutional Members may send staff changes/updates to the FCO Secretariat at info@ombudsforum.ca

Membership Categories

Individual Membership
Any individual with an interest in promoting the objectives of the FCO may apply for membership. Each Individual Member is entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at all Meetings of Members and each Member is entitled to one (1) vote. Individual Members are entitled to receive FCO communications that are intended for Members and benefit from reduced registration fees for conferences, workshops and courses sponsored by the FCO.

Institutional Membership
It is generally expected that Ombudsman Offices would become institutional members on behalf of the organization. Each Institutional Member is entitled to appoint one (1) representative – with one (1) vote – to attend and act on behalf of the corporation to meetings of Members. Attendance and voting options are the same as for individuals. Institutional members (including Associate Members*) are entitled to receive FCO communications that are intended for Members and benefit from reduced registration fees for conferences, workshops and courses sponsored by the FCO. A list of institutional members will be posted on the FCO Web site, with a possible link to an office’s Web site.

*Associate Members may be added during the online process. Associate Members will be entitled to receive FCO email communications and benefit from any reduced members rates for the FCO conference and events, but are not eligible to vote.

Retired Membership (non-voting)
FCO wants to maintain our relationships with our members for the long term, even into their retirement. We know that many retired Ombuds professionals want to keep in touch with colleagues. This membership category is open to former FCO members or FCO members in good standing who are transitioning to retirement.

Retired members may attend Meetings of Members, but are not eligible to vote in respect to matters which may come before meetings of Members, nor can they hold elective office. Retired members are entitled to receive FCO communications that are intended for Members and benefit from reduced registration fees for conferences, workshops and courses sponsored by the FCO.

International Membership (non-voting)
Individuals on the staff of ombudsman or persons who have an interest in furthering the purposes of the FCO and who are not citizens or residents of Canada. Each international member may attend Meetings of Members, but are not eligible to vote in respect to matters which may come before meetings of Members, nor can they hold elective office. International members are entitled to receive FCO communications that are intended for Members and benefit from reduced registration fees for conferences, workshops and courses sponsored by the FCO.

Student Membership (non-voting) **
Students who are interested in promoting the objectives of the FCO, have a valid student ID card and are enrolled in an education program may apply for membership. Student members may attend Meetings of Members, but are not eligible to vote in respect to matters which may come before meetings of Members, nor can they hold elective office. Student members are entitled to receive FCO communications that are intended for Members and benefit from reduced registration fees for conferences, workshops and courses sponsored by the FCO.

**Proof of student status is required and must be sent to the FCO Secretariat after completing your online membership. A valid student ID card and proof of enrollment in an education program will be accepted.