The Ontario government is launching reviews of eight major provincial agencies as it looks to improve efficiency and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively.
Treasury Board President Peter Bethlenfalvy announced Wednesday that the reviews will begin this summer and will focus on improving productivity while maintaining the front-line services residents rely on every day.
The agencies selected for review are Metrolinx, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Supply Ontario, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation, Legal Aid Ontario, Agricorp and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
The government says the reviews are intended to identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve operations, though Bethlenfalvy did not publicly disclose any savings targets.
Opposition parties questioned both the timing and motivation behind the agency reviews.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said she supports greater oversight of agencies such as Metrolinx, noting the transit agency has more than 120 vice-presidents.
However, she suggested the announcement may be intended to shift attention away from recent controversies surrounding government spending.
The reviews are expected to begin over the coming weeks, with the government saying the goal is to strengthen the long-term sustainability of agencies responsible for delivering key public services across Ontario.
