Ombudsman message to the Defence community

Ombudsman Message | 14 July 2025

 

Dear members of the Defence community,

I am honoured to have been appointed as the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.

With nearly two decades of executive leadership in the federal public service, I have dedicated my career to advancing organizational health, strategic governance, and respectful workplaces. My journey has included serving as Chief of Staff at the Treasury Board Secretariat, holding various leadership positions at Public Services and Procurement Canada, and most recently, serving as Ombudsman for Mental Health at that same department. I also had the privilege of being the founding Ombudsman at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

I bring to this role a deep commitment to fairness and accountability, and a passion for supporting those who serve. I am also an accredited mediator and certified leadership coach, with specialized training in ombudsman practice, workplace restoration, and mental health.

As I step into this new chapter, I am inspired by the important mandate of this Office and the meaningful impact it has had since its creation in 1998.

I look forward to engaging with members of the Canadian Armed Forces, civilian employees, and everyone in the Defence community to listen, learn, and work together toward lasting improvements.

I look forward to meeting many of you soon and to building strong, respectful relationships for the duration of my mandate.

Warm regards,

 

Mario Baril 
Ombudsman