Ontario Posts 18 Per Cent Increase in Sunshine List

According to the so-called “Sunshine List,” released March 31, 2010, the ranks of the “$100,000 Club” have grown by approximately 18 per cent over the previous year. In 2003, there were 20,249 public servants earning $100,000 or more. As of 2009, that number had grown to 63,761. The number of public sector employees making over $100,000 per year has more than tripled since 2003.

The annual report on public servants salaries was first introduced in 1996. The latest statistics also reveal that 164 people earn over $400,000 and 1,210 are earning more than a quarter of a million dollars. Jim Hankinson, former President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation, was the highest paid member of the Sunshine List, receiving $2.5 million for 2009. The disclosure requirements include Ontario Power Generation, Hydro One and their subsidiaries.

The Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act also applies to the provincial government, Crown agencies and corporations, and publicly funded organizations such as hospitals, municipalities, school boards, universities and colleges. The act requires organizations that receive public funding from the province to disclose the names, positions, salaries and taxable benefits of employees paid $100,000 or more in a calendar year.

Ontario can take pride in the skill and professionalism of its public service. However, what I am hearing from many Durham Riding residents is that the growing number of six-figure salaries along with pensions and benefits for employees in the public sector do not match the economic reality of Ontario. Keep in mind that the growth of 18 per cent in the Sunshine List last year coincided with a time when Ontario was fighting to recover from the worst recession in memory.

Any discussion of Ontario’s economic future must ask the question of what is fair and sustainable compensation for the public sector. I welcome your views. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org

Following the e-health scandal last year, the provincial government promised to publicly post the expenses for cabinet ministers, political staff, OPS senior management, appointees and senior executives at Ontario’s 22 largest agencies. These expenses will be posted on a new expenses disclosure website, beginning April 1.

Cadets First to Sign Book of Reflection

Six Ontario cadets were the first to sign a Book of Reflection at Queen’s Park commemorating the passing of John Babcock. He was Canada’s last veteran of the First World War. Born on a farm near Kingston in 1900, John Babcock was just a teenager when he enlisted. With his passing, World War One is no longer recalled in living memories. But, we shall continue to honour all veterans in our own recollections. We have a duty to honour the 650,000 Canadians who served in the First World War and to remember the sacrifice of the 68,000 soldiers who never came back. Although John Babcock is the last veteran of the First World War, his comrades from the yesterday and today defend democracy, freedom and the rights we enjoy as a nation.

New Laws Proposed for Retirement Homes

Last week, the provincial government introduced new legislation to protect seniors living in retirement homes. Keep in mind that retirement homes are not the same as long-term care homes. If passed, the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 would create a regulatory authority with the power to license homes and conduct regular inspections, investigations and enforcement. The Act also establishes mandatory care and safety standards. It includes a clear declaration of residents’ rights to know the true costs of care and accommodation plus the right to live in an environment that promotes zero tolerance of abuse or neglect. The proposed Regulatory Authority for retirement homes would be required to hire a Registrar, Risk Officer and Complaints Review Officer. Some MPPs are concerned that the new Act does not take the opportunity to provide stronger fire prevention measures through mandatory fire sprinklers. So far, Retirement Homes Act, 2010 has no requirement for these devices. I would appreciate your input into requirements you would like to see in Ontario’s laws governing standards in retirement homes. I may be reached 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, there are approximately 40,000 seniors living in about 700 retirement homes in Ontario. Ontario’s senior population is expected to double to nearly 4.1 million within 25 years.

Government Cancels Review of LHINs

The provincial government used its 2010 budget to quietly cancel a legally mandated review of the new Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs). The review was to have been the responsibility of a Standing Committee of the Legislature, starting no later than March 28, 2010. Rather than being forced to subject the LHINs to public scrutiny, the McGuinty Liberals have instead buried a provision on page 164 of the 2010 Budget that would eliminate the obligation to hold this review. Through Freedom of Information requests, the Ontario PC Caucus has obtained documentary evidence confirming that there was over $7 million in untendered contracts handed out at LHINs. The Official Opposition will continue to hold this government accountable for the actions of the Local Health Integration Networks it created. We remain concerned that these bodies are diverting tax dollars to consulting contracts and bureaucrat salaries rather than spending this money on frontline healthcare. Ontario’s LHINs are unelected and not directly accountable to the community.