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Ontario Government Directives and Toronto Central LHIN Policies Regarding Procurement and Expenses

In July 2009, the Ontario government introduced new government directives for all government ministries and agencies related to consultant procurements and expenses:  Procurement Directives and the Addendum to the Travel, Meal & Hospitality Expenses Directive.  These directives are in addition to other policies, legislation and regulations and the Ministry-LHIN accountability agreements governing the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs).

Provincial directives regarding expenses and consulting procurements are designed to increase transparency and accountability for the use of public funds.

The Toronto Central LHIN is committed to making sure that every dollar we spend delivers value to the patients and the people we serve.  The LHIN fully supports these directives.  The LHIN has had various controls and checks and balances in place for some time to ensure accountability for the judicious use of funding.  Here is an example of these measures:

  • All consultant contracts require multiple approvals including Controller and CEO.
  • The Controller and Senior Director of Performance Management meet with the Chair of the Board’s Audit and Finance Committee regularly to discuss any financial concerns.
  • A list of contracts - including the name of the consultant or supplier, the amount, and the procurement approach - is reviewed by the Board at every public Board meeting.
  • There is a cap on the ceiling amount of each contract.

The Toronto Central LHIN has taken the following additional steps in response to the new directives:

  • All consulting services – no matter the amount – are procured using a competitive process as set out by the Procurement Directives.
  • The Toronto Central LHIN posts its specific controls and measures to comply with the Procurement and Expenses Directives on its public web site.
  • The Board of Directors submits declaration of compliance to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care public Board meetings confirming adherence to legislation, Memorandum of Understanding, Ministry-LHIN Accountability and all Directives.