| TORONTO — The government of Ontario is implementing new accountability measures for how taxpayer dollars are being spent. New amendments to the Financial Administration Act prohibit ministries, provincial agencies and the two hydro entities (Ontario Power Generation and the Independent Electricity System Operator) from paying to attend or sponsor events where a politician is the main speaker. These changes are part of the government’s commitment to strengthen accountability for how public money is spent in Ontario.
The new amendments support the government’s platform commitment to restore accountability and trust in government. The amendments help fulfill the government’s promise to identify efficiencies that exist across all of government, including how different agencies and ministries purchase goods and services. “Since day one, we’ve been clear about our fiscal priorities, and these changes are about emphasizing responsible, strategic fiscal planning that respects the hard-earned taxpayer dollars entrusted to the Ontario government,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board. “As stewards of public finances, we must put structures in place that direct spending towards what matters most. These changes are an important step in strengthening accountability for how public money is used and will help restore trust in the province’s finances.” This provision was introduced as part of the 2019 Budget Bill and comes into force on July 1, 2019. The amendments apply to events where the main speaker is a:
Individuals are still able to attend these events, as long as their tickets were purchased with their own funds, they are invited as a guest, or if the event is free, contingent upon any political activity restrictions. |
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