An article in the Toronto Star examines ongoing criticism of Premier Doug Ford鈥檚 management of the Skills Development Fund. One year after Ontario's auditor general found that funding was awarded to weaker applicants that employed well-connected lobbyists, the Ford government says it has tightened oversight, increased transparency around lobbyists activities and prioritized investments in skilled trades, construction and manufacturing jobs. Critics still argue that the reforms fails to address the most significant concern, which is political involvement in funding decisions.
Thomas Klassen, professor in the School of Public Policy & Administration, was quoted in the article. While Klassen praises the changes, he says the government has yet to implement what he considers the most important change in the program which is to remove the minister鈥檚 office from the funding selection process.
Klassen holds a PhD from the University of Toronto. His research specializes in employment and labour, public administration, comparative labour market policies, income security policies, retirement and pensions, Korea and East Asia.
Read the article in the (behind paywall).