Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office has come under scrutiny for its high salaries, with some staff members earning more than $200,000 a year.
According to documents obtained by Global News, the premier’s office has 11 staff members who earn more than $100,000 annually. This includes Ford’s chief of staff, who earns $305,000 a year, and his principal secretary, who earns $275,000 a year.
The salaries of Ford’s office staff have raised questions about the government’s spending priorities, especially as the province continues to grapple with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critics argue that these high salaries are not justified, especially when compared to the salaries of frontline workers who have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
However, the premier’s office defends these salaries, stating that they are necessary to attract top talent and ensure the smooth functioning of the government.
In a statement to Global News, the premier’s office said, “The salaries of staff in the premier’s office are in line with those of previous administrations and are competitive with other provinces.”
The statement also noted that the salaries of Ford’s office staff are lower than those of the previous Liberal government, which had 13 staff members earning more than $100,000 a year.
Despite this, the opposition parties are calling for more transparency and accountability when it comes to government spending.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath stated, “It’s not just about the salaries, it’s about the priorities of this government. They’re cutting services, they’re cutting programs, and yet they’re paying their staff top dollar.”
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s not just about the salaries, it’s about the values of this government. They’re not investing in people, they’re not investing in the services that people need.”
The premier’s office has also faced criticism for its use of taxpayer dollars for expenses such as $50,000 for a new office couch and $1,000 for a custom-made Ontario-shaped coffee table.
In response, the premier’s office stated that these expenses were necessary for the functioning of the office and were approved by the Treasury Board.
As the debate over government spending continues, it remains to be seen how the premier’s office will address these concerns and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.
