Ontario recently unveiled its annual sunshine list, showcasing public sector employees earning over $100,000 in 2023. Notable increases were observed in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Ken Hartwick, President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation (OPG), topped the list with a salary exceeding $1.9 million. Remarkably, all five highest earners were OPG executives, with over 9,300 individuals making the list.
Other top earners included Ronald Cohn, President and CEO of The Hospital for Sick Children, and Kevin Smith, President and CEO of University Health Network. TTC CEO Rick Leary saw a significant increase in compensation, earning $562,325.
The list also revealed salaries of public figures such as Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles.
While some argue that the $100,000 threshold may be outdated considering inflation and rising living costs, Government House Leader Paul Calandra defended its importance in promoting transparency. The opposition concurred, emphasizing that $100,000 remains substantial amidst affordability concerns.
Despite debates, there are no imminent plans to adjust the threshold. The sunshine list, mandated to be released annually by March 31, continues to serve as a valuable tool for public scrutiny and accountability in Ontario.