September 14 – Ontario is taking four additional steps to protect taxpayer dollars and improve accountability.

The steps were outlined in a letter from the Premier to all employees of the Ontario government and its agencies, boards and commissions.

First, the McGuinty government is introducing a new summary of guidelines for travel, meals and hospitality expenses that boils 25 pages of guidelines down to two pages. These simplified guidelines will apply to all OPS employees, political staff and employees at Ontario's agencies, boards and commissions.

Second, all OPS employees and employees at our 22 largest agencies will receive online, mandatory training on expense claims.

Third, expenses for OPS senior management, cabinet ministers, political staff and senior executives at Ontario's 22 largest agencies will be posted online. This will start no later than April 1, 2010.

Fourth, Ontario is increasing the number of random audits of expenses to ensure rules are being followed. And during annual audits of Ontario's agencies, boards and commissions, external auditors will be required to look at expense practices to ensure rules are followed and controls are in place.

These further measures to improve accountability build on changes announced last week by the Premier and Minister of Finance.

Highlights of Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive