The Ontario government is launching a series of reviews of key provincial agencies aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and protecting taxpayer dollars, with a focus on efficiency, governance and productivity.
“Ontario’s agencies are central to our government’s plan to protect Ontario, delivering vital services that millions of families, workers and businesses rely on every day,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board. “By launching these reviews, our government is ensuring agencies have the strong financial footing needed to improve operations while respecting taxpayer money.”
The reviews build on measures outlined in the 2026 provincial budget, which the government says has seen the Ontario Public Service grow at a slower rate than the federal government and other provinces and territories, while shifting the ratio of front-office to back-office staff from 50:50 in 2019-20 to 60:40 in 2025-26.
The government says the number of provincial agencies has been reduced from 191 to 137 since 2018, though taxpayer spending at agencies continues to rise. An agency hiring freeze implemented in 2025 has avoided nearly $300 million in costs and cut consultant usage by 20 per cent, according to the province.
Starting this summer, the province will review Metrolinx, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Supply Ontario, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation, Legal Aid Ontario, Agricorp and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
The agencies were selected based on their reliance on government funding, financial performance, size and complexity, and workforce growth trends. Affected agencies have been notified of the review process and will be expected to work with ministries to identify ways to improve productivity, enhance efficiency and support high-quality service delivery.
