Ontario launches reviews of eight major public agencies seeking efficiency gains

Ontario is putting eight major public agencies under review this summer, looking for efficiency and productivity improvements as government spending faces increased scrutiny.

Treasury Board President Peter Bethlenfalvy announced the initiative, saying the province has given the agencies savings targets but declined to share those figures publicly. The agencies under review are: Metrolinx, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Supply Ontario, Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation, Legal Aid Ontario, Agricorp, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Bethlenfalvy framed the reviews as efforts to ensure agencies have sustainable financial footing while protecting the vital frontline services families and businesses rely on. The announcement comes as government spending has faced heightened scrutiny, particularly after Toronto-area Progressive Conservative caucus members billed thousands in Toronto hotel stays. Premier Doug Ford said he told them to pay back "every single penny," but Bethlenfalvy could not confirm Tuesday whether that repayment had occurred.

The specifics of what each agency's reviews will examine and when results will be released remain unclear.