Governments around the world are at various stages of fundamental reform driven by economic pressures, growing social conflict and public dissatisfaction with government.
In Ontario, the current government took office in June 1995. It had a clear, well-articulated political agenda of balancing the budget, reducing taxes, achieving a smaller more accountable government, and eliminating red tape. The government has moved aggressively on that agenda.
The reform within the Ontario public service initially focused on the urgent need to get the financial affairs of the province in order. Although the fiscal agenda was the initial driver for change, developing a vision and strategic direction was critical to guide executives in their decision-making. That vision is an Ontario Public Service that is smaller, more integrated in its operations, with clear accountability frameworks, a public service that focuses on core businesses and continuously improves its service delivery to the public.
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