Ontario saved $153M by curbing new spending during ‘March Madness’

Ontario Treasury Board President Peter Bethlenfalvy says the Ford government generated $153 million in savings by implementing “year-end expenditure management measures" and ending ‘March Madness’ spending.”

By News Staff

President of the Treasury Board Peter Bethlenfalvy has announced that the Ford government generated $153 million in savings by implementing “year-end expenditure management measures” and ending ‘March Madness’ spending.”

Bethlenfalvy describes “March Madness” spending as the new spending seen towards the end of a fiscal year as governments attempt to use up their budget.

“In February, we took steps to curb new spending that governments sometimes see towards the end of their fiscal year as they attempted to use up the remainder of their budget.”

Bethlenfalvy said they took action to limit spending to existing commitments or to requirements to fulfill core services. They also told ministers not to enter into new funding commitments without being given specific directions to do so from the treasury.

“This wasn’t just an exercise in reaching a specific savings target, it was about reinforcing the culture of fiscal discipline to ensure our programs and services are sustainable both now and for future generations,” said Bethlenfalvy.

The Treasury Board president listed a few of the ways they saved money, including ministries spending less money on accommodations, printing and office supplies as well as $48 million saved in travel expenses.

When asked why the $30 million dollars being used to fight the federal carbon tax wasn’t considered a place to save, Bethlenfalvy said “We are looking to find savings all over government and one area where we are not looking for is putting a greater burden on the taxpayers of Ontario.”

The Ontario government announced on Wednesday they had filed an appeal with the Supreme Court of Canada after the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled the federal carbon tax was constitutionally sound.

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