Overview - Agency Expenses

The Integrity Commissioner reviews the expenses of appointees and certain employees of selected agencies to ensure prudent spending and accountability. This role is set out in the Public Sector Expenses Review Act, 2009.

The focus of the review is on travel, meal and hospitality expenses but can include other types of expenses. The expenses are reviewed to ensure compliance with the Ontario Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive, as well as section 6 of Ontario Reg. 440/09 under the Public Sector Expenses Review Act, 2009. The Commissioner can require a public servant to reimburse an unallowable expense.

The Commissioner may choose to review the expenses incurred at any agency listed as a public body in the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 as well as Ontario Power Generation and the Independent Electricity System Operator. Agencies may be added or removed from review at the discretion of the Commissioner.

The Commissioner may, upon request, provide advice about whether an expense is allowable before it is incurred. Requests for advice should be in writing and sent to expenses@oico.on.ca. The Commissioner also has the discretion to make a public report regarding any matter related to the expenses reviewed.