On December 14, Minister Dwight Duncan announced the first in a series of updates on what the government of Ontario is doing to get even more value for taxpayer dollars.
Tax dollars are precious.
That's why our government has been working hard to find savings and efficiencies to ensure the best use of public money. The government has introduced a number of restraint measures including:
- 3 year salary freeze for all MPPs
- 2 year compensation freeze for non-bargaining broader public sector employees
- Reducing the size of the Ontario Public Service by 5 per cent
- Cutting reliance on outside consultants by 50 per cent, so far
News Release: Ontario Saving $190 Million on Information Technology
News Release: Reducing Power and Fuel Use Saving Taxpayers $7 Million
Speech: Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, Remarks to Toronto Board of Trade
News Release: Ontario Eliminating 14 Government Agencies
News Release: Expansion Of Bariatric Surgery In Ontario Saving Millions Of Dollars
News Release: Saving Almost $16 Million By Reducing Paper And Office Equipment
News Release: Technology and Tighter Rules Reduced Travel Spending by $30 Million
News Release: Publications Ordered Online Guaranteed In Six Days
News Release: Reducing Websites While Improving Access Online
News Release: Ontario Delivering Better Value For Taxpayers
Managing Through Difficult Times
Excerpt from Minister's Statement to the Canadian Club - December 14, 2010 [Full video here]
New Savings Initiatives
Initiative 1
The first new step we are taking is related to agencies in Ontario.
Did you know there are 259 classified agencies in the provincial government?
We believe we can reduce that number so we are going to do so – by 5 per cent.
Initiative 2
The second measure I’m announcing today is the cancellation of the Premier’s Discovery and Catalyst Awards.
Yes, these awards were created by our government, and while innovation is still a priority, these awards are not.
Cancelling the awards program will save taxpayers close to $2.5 million annually.
Initiative 3
The third new measure I want to tell you about today has to do with perks.
Taxpayers want to know their tax dollars are directed to their priorities.
Despite all the steps we have taken, there are still perks out there that we do not believe are acceptable to Ontarians.
We will introduce legislation that will, if passed, eliminate unnecessary perks in the public and broader public sector.
Results So Far
Agencies, Boards, Commissions and Business Enterprises
Crown agencies, consultants, mergers, property sales
Quick Facts:
- To date, more than $260 million potential savings have been found as a result of a major review of government programs and services.
- Ontario has the second lowest spending per capita on general government services among Canadian provinces.
- More than $800 million has been saved by streamlining processes, including reduced administrative costs, better use of technology and other measures.
