Ford Speech from the Throne Reports Deep Changes for Service Providers

The Ford government's first throne speech tomorrow will mark a clear shift in policy and governance over the past 15 years. Although the electoral platform was clear on the details, the political direction of the Ford government is predictable and the Speech from the Throne will be its first chance to crystallize election declarations in government policy

Institute on Governance

most will be attracted to Queen's Park and the impact of the Speech from the Throne on Ministries, much of the work serving the people of Ontario takes place elsewhere. Indeed, most of the decisions of the new government will be implemented by a multitude of bodies outside the "government" itself, that is to say outside the daily control of elected officials. These include a host of transfer partners, including hospitals, schools, universities, more than 200 organizations, boards and commissions (ABC) and many other non-profit organizations that provide services to Ontarians. In fact, nearly 80% of all government services are provided by such transfer partners. That's about $ 100 billion a year in Ontario

Although there are very elaborate protocols for the transition process within governments, there is very little established practice for the transition to a new government for these important partners who provide government services. . Current affairs are continuing, of course, but as with many initiatives or new directions, government agencies are typically expressed in explicit or implicit patterns of expectation.

It is clear that the current government will bring a governing philosophy very different from that of its predecessor. While the delivery of basic government services such as health care and education will remain a high priority, the government is also very concerned about public debt, competitiveness and the cost to taxpayers. "Value for taxpayer money" is not just an electoral slogan. It will be an underlying governance philosophy that will guide all government decisions. Government partners and government agencies must be willing to demonstrate value for money and constantly seek ways to improve service within existing resources.

Given their important role in providing services to citizens and businesses to the content of Thursday's Throne Speech. It will represent a significant transition from the recent past and government partners must be ready to adapt, innovate and respond to a new relationship with the new government.

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Brad Graham is a Toronto-vice president of the Institute on Governance

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