The jurisdiction and general powers of the Ombudsman de Montréal are defined in the By-law concerning the Ombudsman (Municipal by-law 02-146 as modified by by-law 02-146-1).

Since January 1, 2006, the Ombudsman de Montréal also offers Montrealers the only recourse available to ensure that all city representatives abide by and comply with the provisions of the Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities (By‑law 05-056).

Moreover, in December 2006, the government of Québec modified the Cities and Towns Act (R.S.Q., chapter C-19) so as to reaffirm the broad investigative powers of the ombudsman and her team and protect the confidentiality of their files.