Strong new rules governing Ontario government consulting contracts have been approved by the Ontario Cabinet.

The new rules, which are retroactive to June 16, 2009, require all Ontario government consulting contracts to follow a competitive hiring process.

The stronger rules apply to all new consulting contracts regardless of their dollar value and will apply across-the-board to all Ontario ministries and extend to agencies such as e-Health Ontario, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Ontario Power Generation, Hydro One and Ontario Lottery and Gaming. 

Highlights of the changes include:

• All new Ontario government consulting contracts must follow a competitive hiring process, regardless of dollar value
• Consultants will no longer be entitled to bill for hospitality, food expenses or incidental costs
• Management, information technology, technical services, research & development, policy development and communications consultants are covered by the new rules

The government continues taking measures that have been successful in reducing its need for consultants over the past several years.

QUOTES

“Taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being spent properly. The new rules make ministries and agencies more transparent and accountable.”
—Government Services Minister Harinder Takhar

QUICK FACTS

• The government has reduced its spending on consultants by more than 40 per cent since 2001-2002.
• A competitive process must be used for all consultant contracts, regardless of value.

LEARN MORE

Backgrounder: New consulting rules

To get more information about doing business with the Ontario government, visit www.doingbusiness.mgs.gov.on.ca.

Ciaran Ganley, Communications branch, 416-325-8659
Sarbjit Kaur, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0125