Dear Mr. Ostafichuk,

I am pleased to share our government’s 2027-28 priorities for the Soldiers’ Aid Commission.

Agencies are an integral part of government and are expected to operate in the best interests of the people of Ontario. They play a vital role in delivering high-quality programs, services, and outcomes for Ontarians, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. Agencies are expected to support the government’s commitment to protect Ontario by driving innovation, ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources and improving service delivery, while adhering to government policies and directives.

In accordance with the Agencies and Appointments Directive, agencies are required to align their goals, objectives and strategic direction with our government’s priorities. As Chair, you are responsible for ensuring that the Soldiers’ Aid Commission’s business plan clearly demonstrates how the agency will fulfil these expectations. Progress and achievements must be reported through your annual report, and compliance with these requirements will be monitored and reported to Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet annually.

This letter sets out my expectations for 2027-28, with a focus on how the Soldiers’ Aid Commission will contribute to protecting Ontario by driving innovation and value for money, and delivering better services.

Drive Innovation & Value for Money

  1. Find innovative solutions to use public resources efficiently and to effectively deliver on the agency’s mandate while operating within agency’s financial allocation, supported by accurate financial reporting, effective internal controls, and proactive fraud management practices.
  2. Comply with the Minister approved span of control policy that recognizes different streams of work and ensure minimum span of control benchmarks are implemented.

Protect Ontario

  1. Procure Ontario or Canadian made goods and services or from Ontario and Canadian businesses as required under any procurement directive or policy.
  2. Provide economic relief for Ontario families, consumers and businesses by freezing government fees and fares, unless approved by the oversight Minister.
  3. Achieve net financial benefit to the province by: increasing net profits in revenue-generating agencies; achieving a balanced budget in cost-neutral agencies and reducing reliance on operating subsidies for subsidized agencies, to enhance long-term resilience, unless otherwise directed by the oversight Minister.

Deliver Better Services

  1. Focus on a user-centered client/customer experience by simplifying interactions, improving satisfaction, and expanding and optimizing digital service offerings.
  2. Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, improve services, drive innovation, and achieve cost savings for the people of Ontario, including through the use of AI and other advanced technologies.
  3. Eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape by applying lean methodologies or other modalities to achieve operational efficiency.

These are the government-wide commitments for board-governed provincial agencies.

I am also sharing several priorities specific to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission:

  1. Continue the trend of building year over year program growth with the aim of supporting even more of Ontario’s vulnerable Veterans and their immediate family members.
  2. Focus on building relationships within the Veteran-based community and continue to look for opportunities to engage the sector and promote the program.
  3. Maintain the Commission’s high standards of helping eligible Veterans and their families in a consistent, efficient and timely manner.

At our next meeting, I would be pleased to discuss these priorities, and I look forward to hearing how they will be reflected in the agency’s upcoming business plan and in ongoing agency operations.

Thank you and your fellow board members for your continued commitment to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. Your work and ongoing support is invaluable to our government and the people of Ontario.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jody Hendry, Director Developmental and Supportive Services Branch.

Sincerely,

Minister Parsa