Legislation introduced today, would, if passed, further strengthen accountability, transparency and oversight of expense claims.

The proposed Public Sector Expenses Review Act, 2009 would give the Integrity Commissioner the legal authority to review senior management expense claims made within Ontario’s 22 largest agencies and take appropriate action should irregularities be discovered.

The government consulted with the Commissioner as the legislation was drafted and will continue to do so as the regulations are developed.

The proposed legislation requires employees in government agencies to abide by the same level of accountability and oversight that cabinet ministers and political staff must follow under the Cabinet Ministers’ and Opposition Leaders’ Expenses Review and Accountability Act.

QUOTES

“Under this new bill, the Commissioner will report to the Legislature, she will have the power to make people pay back and she will have discretion to interpret the rules, all of which will improve accountability for Ontario taxpayers.”
– Harinder Takhar, Minister of Government Services.

QUICK FACTS

• Under the proposed legislation, the government has the power to require any government agency, board or commission to abide by these rules by regulation.
• The proposed legislation would require the Integrity Commissioner to prepare and make public an annual report on the review of expense claims.

LEARN MORE

Backgrounder: Proposed Public Sector Expenses Review Act, 2009

About the Office of The Integrity Commissioner

Other steps the province has taken to strengthen accountability