Published plans and annual reports 2020-2021: Ministry of the Solicitor General

Ministry overview

Purpose

The Ministry of the Solicitor General is committed to ensuring that all of Ontario’s communities are supported and protected by law enforcement and correctional services, and that public safety is effective, efficient and accountable.

To carry out this mandate, the ministry has a wide range of responsibilities to ensure the safety and security of the people of Ontario through effective crime prevention, police oversight and setting province-wide police standards, as well as maintaining the physical security of Ontario by coordinating public safety standard initiatives among municipal fire and emergency service organizations. It oversees the governance and licensing of private security and is directly responsible for Ontario’s animal welfare enforcement system. In addition, the ministry is charged with providing care, custody and supervision for those on remand, or who are serving a court ordered custodial or community sentence.

The Ministry of the Solicitor General is directly responsible for a number of organizations that contribute to community safety including the Ontario Provincial Police, the Office of the Chief Coroner, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management and the Anti-Racism Directorate. The ministry operates three training facilities – the Ontario Police College, Ontario Fire College and Correctional Services Recruitment and Training Centre for law enforcement, fire services, correctional officer and probation and parole officer training and continuous education.

COVID‑19 response

During an emergency situation, such as the Declaration of Emergency made by the province during the COVID‑19 outbreak, the Ministry of the Solicitor General is involved in the development and execution of all Emergency Orders and works across government to keep ministries updated on emergency developments while coordinating an effective response.

Ministry contribution to priority outcomes

The Ministry of the Solicitor General is dedicated to making Ontario a safer place to live, work and raise a family. The ministry is focused on five key priority areas and the initiatives outlined in the Annual Report support these priorities:

• to build safer communities by ensuring police have the tools, resources and supports they need
• to build better communities through initiatives such as a modernized animal protection enforcement model and effective Anti-Racism Directorate
• to ensure that our communities are prepared in case of a natural or other emergency and that public safety infrastructure is resilient
• Tto modernize Ontario’s adult correctional system
• to improve mental health awareness and wellness supports for police and correctional staff

Legislation

Legislation administered by Ministry of the Solicitor General:

Ammunition Regulation Act, 1994
Regulates the sale of ammunition. The act generally requires that purchasers be a minimum of 18 years old and requires that businesses keep certain records.

Anatomy Act
Allows the General Inspector (Chief Coroner) to send bodies, which have been donated or are unclaimed, to universities or colleges for educational purposes.

Anti-Racism Act, 2017
Regulates the strategy to eliminate racism in Ontario relating to anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia reflect histories of systemic exclusion, displacement and marginalization.

Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000
Requires sex offenders who are residents of Ontario to register with police upon conviction and on an annual basis and at any time that they change their address. The ministry is required to maintain the registry and provide access to the police.

Coroners Act
Provides for investigations by Coroners into the circumstances surrounding certain deaths. The act sets out the circumstances under which an inquest will be held and the procedures for holding an inquest.

Correctional Services Staff Recognition Week Act, 2016
Proclaims the week commencing on the first Monday in May in each year as Correctional Services Staff Recognition Week.

Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act
Addresses both emergency preparedness and emergency response at municipal and provincial levels. The act requires municipalities and ministries to develop emergency programs and formulate emergency plans.

Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
Governs fire safety in Ontario and sets fire protection requirements for municipalities. The act establishes the Office of the Fire Marshal to oversee the operation of fire departments.

Firefighters’ Memorial Day Act, 2000
Establishes the first Sunday in October as Firefighters’ Memorial Day to honour firefighters.

First Responders Day Act, 2013
Establishes May 1 in each year as First Responders Day.

Forensic Laboratories Act, 2018
Imposes an accreditation requirement with respect to the carrying out of a laboratory test in a prescribed category that is requested for the purpose of legal proceedings, for some other legal purpose or pursuant to an order of a court or other lawful authority.

Hawkins Gignac Act (Carbon Monoxide Safety), 2013
Establishes the annual carbon monoxide awareness week.

Imitation Firearms Regulation Act, 2000
Regulates the sale and other transfers of imitation firearms and deactivated firearms, and prohibits the purchase and sale of starter pistols capable of being adapted for use as firearms.

Interprovincial Policing Act, 2009
Provides a framework for the exercise of police powers in Ontario by police officers from other provinces. Reciprocal legislation in other provinces permits Ontario police to exercise powers in those provinces.

Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006
Enables certain classes of persons who have come into contact with the bodily substance of another person to make an application for an order to have that person’s blood tested for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C.

Mandatory Gunshot Wounds Reporting Act, 2005
Requires hospitals that treat a person for gunshot wound(s) to disclose this fact to the local police.

Ministry of Correctional Services Act
Establishes the legislative framework for correctional services in Ontario and governs matters relating to the detention and release from custody of remanded and sentenced inmates. The act provides for community supervision services and establishes the Ontario Parole Board. The powers and duties of the Minister of Correctional Services are to be exercised by the Solicitor General, by Order in Council.

Ministry of the Solicitor General Act
Establishes the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Missing Persons Act, 2018
Establishes measures to assist members of a police service in locating a missing person in the absence of a criminal investigation. Also allows officers to apply for an order, or make an urgent demand, for the production of records to assist in locating a missing person or a search warrant to facilitate a search for a missing person.

Pawnbrokers Act
Provides for the licensing of pawnbrokers and for the collection and production of information regarding items pledged. The act is to be repealed on a day named by proclamation.

Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015
Sets out a process and exceptions governing requests for searches of the Canadian Police Information Centre databases, or other police databases, in connection with screening an individual for certain purposes.

Police Services Act
Provides the legislative framework for policing in Ontario. This act requires municipalities to decide on the method of providing adequate and effective policing in their communities. This act also creates the Ontario Provincial Police, the Special Investigations Unit, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, the Independent Police Review Director and the Ontario Police Arbitration Commission.

Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005
Regulates private investigators and security guards. The act replaced the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act.

Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act
Sets out inspection, enforcement and appeal procedures for the prevention of cruelty to animals and deals with animals in distress. The act also continues the Animal Care Review Board.

Security for Electricity Generating Facilities and Nuclear Facilities Act, 2014
Sets out various powers for peace officers in respect of restricted access to electricity and nuclear generating facilities.

Acts not in force

The following acts will come into force on a date set by proclamation:

Correctional Services and Reintegration Act, 2018
Provides the legislative framework for the correctional system in Ontario, including limits on the use of segregation. This act creates an Independent Regional Chair and members of the review roster who serve as Disciplinary Hearings Officers or as members of an Independent Review Panel. The act also continues the Ontario Parole Board.

Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019
This act provides the legislative framework for policing in Ontario, repealing and replacing the Police Services Act. It requires police service boards and the Ontario Provincial Police to provide adequate and effective policing in the areas for which they are responsible, including First Nation reserves. This Act continues the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Police College; continues and modifies the mandate of the Ontario Police Arbitration and Adjudication Commission (formerly Ontario Police Arbitration Commission) and the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (formerly Office of the Independent Police Review Director; to be administered by Ministry of the Attorney General; creates the Inspector General of Policing and the OPP Governance Advisory Council; and regulates municipal and eligible First Nation police service boards as well as special constable employers.

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Act, 2018
Continues the Ministry of the Community Safety and Correctional Services in a new act. The duties and powers of the Solicitor General are set out. The act provides for the appointment of employees and delegations to them.

Key performance indicators

The ministry is committed to ensuring Ontarians are safe in their communities by focusing on the following performance indicators:

• The ministry is committed to addressing the increase in violent crime in Ontario. In 2018, Ontario’s police-reported Violent Crime Severity Index ^{footnote 1[1]} was 73. This was an increase of 4% over the last year and 12% since 2016 suggesting that violent crime has become more severe over the last three years. The trend for the police-reported crime rate^{footnote 2[2]} in Ontario showed similar increases, reported at 4,487 per 100,000 population in 2018, which was an increase of 5% over the last year and 10% since 2016.
• The ministry is committed to reducing gun and gang violence in Ontario. In 2018, there were 120^{footnote 3[3]} gun-related homicides in Ontario. This was an increase of 43% since 2017 and 46% since 2016. The trend for gang-related homicides was lower, with 51^{footnote 4[4]} reported in 2018, an increase of 6% over the previous year and 16% since 2016, suggesting that there has been an increase in gun and gang related crime over the last three years.
• Ontario is committed to reducing the rate of reoffending among those released from custody and community supervision. Data reported in 2019 states that 36% of offenders who were released from custody^{footnote 5[5]} and 23% of offenders who were released from community supervision in 2016-17 re-offended during the following two years. The percent of reoffenders is down by 1% from the previous year (2015-16) for those released from custody and up by 1% for those who completed community supervision, but down 8% for custody and up 1% for community supervision) from five years prior^{footnote 6[6]}

Ministry programs

Community safety

Public safety

The Public Safety Division works with its policing, municipal and community partners to promote community safety and well-being. Activities include: scientific analysis in the Centre of Forensic Sciences; oversight of the private security industry; development of policing guidelines and standards; monitoring and inspecting police services; expert training delivery for police and other public safety personnel; administration of community safety and policing grants; implementing and supporting community safety and well-being planning across the province; support for intelligence-led operations; management of provincial appointments to Police Services Boards and oversight of the Constable Selection System tools; delivery of the Major Case Management system; support for First Nations policing in Ontario, including representing the province in negotiating First Nations policing agreements with the federal government and First Nations communities; and administration and enforcement of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act, including the promotion of animal welfare.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)

Under the leadership of the Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, the OPP provides direct frontline policing services in hundreds of municipalities and First Nations communities throughout the province utilizing Ontario’s Mobilization and Engagement Model. The OPP investigates province-wide and cross-jurisdictional crimes including complex fraud and organized criminal activity. In addition, the OPP patrols provincial highways and is responsible for many of the waterways and trail systems in the province. The OPP maintains specialized provincial registries, including the Violent Crimes Linkages Analysis System, Human Trafficking and the Ontario Sex Offender Registry. Oversight of provincial strategies such as child exploitation, serious fraud and biker enforcement are also responsibilities of the OPP. Included as part of its provincial mandate, the OPP also investigates anti-terrorism, cybercrime, provides emergency services support, is responsible for security for high profile international events, and delivers specialized security and protection services for the Government of Ontario throughout the province.

Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM)

OFMEM carries out its legislated mandate as set out in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. OFMEM is led by the Fire Marshal of Ontario and the Chief of Emergency Management. OFMEM works to minimize the loss of life and property from fire in Ontario by supporting municipalities, fire services and other public safety agencies to meet the needs of their communities, including public education, fire prevention, firefighting, fire protection, training and fire investigation and also oversees the coordination and delivery of emergency management programs and services in the Province.

The Office of the Fire Marshal advises the government on public fire safety, policy, standards and legislation relating to fire prevention and protection, and investigates the cause, origin and circumstances of any fire/explosion that might have caused a loss of life, serious injury or damage to property.

The Emergency Management program coordinates provincial emergency management activities including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and provides leadership, support, oversight and coordination of emergency programs in the province at municipal, ministry, and government-wide levels. The Emergency Management program maintains the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) to ensure 24/7 situational awareness and support for actual or potential incidents impacting Ontario and provides over-arching emergency management and business continuity plans to inform more specialized plans by Order-in-Council Ministries. Emergency Management also operates the Ministry Emergency Operations Centre (MEOC) and manages and maintains the ministry’s emergency management program. Emergency Management works with other jurisdictions in Canada and in contiguous states to support broader emergency management activities.

Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service

Ontario’s death investigation system is delivered in a partnership between the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS). The OCC and OFPS have a shared mission to provide high quality death investigation that supports the administration of justice, the prevention of premature death and is responsive to Ontario’s diverse needs.

The OCC is responsible for conducting death investigations and inquests in accordance with provisions of the Coroners Act. Investigations are typically conducted in sudden and unexpected deaths in order to answer five questions (who, where, when, how and by what means) and to determine if an inquest should be conducted where not mandated by the act. Investigations and inquests may result in recommendations that, if implemented, may reduce the likelihood of further deaths thereby enhancing public safety. The OCC also provides reporting, monitoring and oversight on all provincial medical assistance in dying (MAiD) cases, including data collection in accordance with Bill C-14.

The OFPS is legislatively responsible for providing medico-legal autopsy services pursuant to the Coroners Act. The OFPS, in partnership with the University of Toronto, operates an accredited training program for Forensic Pathologists in Canada. The OFPS also provides accredited medical training for many medical students, pathology and imaging residents, pathology assistants, undergraduate students and other learners from the University of Toronto, Western University and other universities in Canada and the United States. OFPS supports the education and capacity development of professionals working in the death investigation system in Canada and internationally.

Inspectorate of Policing

The Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, which received Royal Assent but is not yet in force, establishes a provincial Inspector General of Policing as part of the Ministry of the Solicitor General. The Inspector General and supporting Inspectorate of Policing (Inspectorate) are required to monitor and conduct inspections related to compliance with the act and to deal with certain complaints regarding the provision of policing and misconduct of police service board members. The Inspector General may issue directions and impose measures to address non-compliance and to ensure the provision of adequate and effective policing. The Inspectorate will enhance the ministry’s capacity to ensure compliance with the act and its regulations, including the provision of adequate and effective policing, across the province and will report annually on its activities.

Correctional Services

The mandate of Correctional Services is to provide care, custody and control of offenders who are remanded and/or serving a custodial sentence (up to two years less a day) and to provide supervision of offenders serving sentences in the community on terms of probation, conditional sentence and Ontario parole. Key services and programs include training, rehabilitative programming, treatment and services designed to help offenders achieve changes in attitude and behaviour to support successful reintegration into the community and enhance public safety.

Correctional Services has four divisions: Institutional Services, Community Services, Operational Support and Correctional Services Oversight and Investigations. Authority for correctional services is provided under both provincial and federal legislation including the Ministry of Correctional Services Act, Provincial Offences Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.

Ministry Administration, Policy and Justice Technology Services

Ministry Administration

The ministry’s core businesses are supported by corporate services that provide leadership, direction, planning and governance. Ministry Administration activities include the Solicitor General’s Office, Deputy Solicitor General Community Safety’s Office, Deputy Solicitor General Correctional Services’ Office, Provincial Security Advisor’s Office, Modernization Division, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, Communications Branch, Legal Services Branch, Business and Financial Planning Branch, Procurement and Business Improvement Branch, Human Resources Strategic Business Unit, and Facilities and Capital Planning Branch. The program also shares Justice Sector services for freedom of information, French language services, and internal audit.

Justice Technology Services Cluster

The Justice Technology Services Cluster delivers highly integrated and complex Information & Information Technology (I&IT) services and solutions and reliable and responsive operational support. This is in alignment with the corporate Information and Information Technology strategic direction that enables and supports business priorities and modernization of the justice sector ministries (Ministry of the Solicitor General, Ministry of the Attorney General, including their respective Agencies, Boards and Commissions and Youth Justice Services Division, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services). Key support is provided through development, implementation and maintenance of technology solutions and critical services, liaising with other service providers, as well as information management and planning. The Cluster supports government-wide mobile communication services on behalf of 11 ministries and is a key partner in the modernization of the criminal justice system.

Strategic Policy, Research and Innovation

The division is responsible for leading policy development and research to support ministry and government priorities. Key functions include: development of evidence-based policy and legislation; research and the coordination of justice sector intergovernmental activities.

Anti-Racism Directorate

The Anti-Racism Directorate (ARD) provides anti-racism leadership and expertise to address systemic barriers and promote racial equity for Ontarians in collaboration with other ministries and community organizations. ARD champions, builds capacity and coordinates an anti-racism approach to the way government develops policies and programs and provides services delivery.

COVID-19 response

A lot of moving parts go into managing an emergency such as COVID‑19 effectively. In addition to being the Ontario government’s frontline ministry for emergency response, the Ministry of the Solicitor General must look after the health and safety of ministry staff, many who serve on the frontlines of the province’s response to the COVID‑19 outbreak to keep Ontario’s communities safe. The ministry also has had to prepare for the potential evacuation of First Nations communities during the annual spring flooding season.

Highlights of 2019-20 results

The Ministry of the Solicitor General is building stronger and safer communities by supporting the public safety needs of the people of Ontario.

Highlights of the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s 2019-20 achievements are categorized as follows:

Community safety

• Introducing tough measures to address gun and gang violence.
• Creating a provincial animal welfare enforcement system with tougher penalties for offenders.
• Supporting local and provincial public safety priorities.
• Giving police more tools to find missing persons.
• Improving public safety and strengthening fire protection.
• Strengthening Ontario’s specialized disaster response.
• Keeping the 24/7 Crime Stoppers tip line open.

Correctional services

• Establishing the first dedicated mental health unit for female inmates.
• Introducing new training for corrections officers focused on mental health.
• Making Ontario’s correctional facilities safer.
• Improving safety and security at correctional facilities in the North.
• Expanding female correctional services in the North.

Ministry organization chart

This is a text version of an organizational chart for the Ministry of the Solicitor General as of March 23, 2020. The chart shows the following hierarchical structure with the top level assigned to the Solicitor General.

• Solicitor General – Sylvia Jones
  • Advisory and adjuticative Agencies, Boards and Commissions
    • Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers Survivors Scholarship Fund – Patricia Kirkwood, Chair
    • Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council – Jonathan Pegg, Chair
    • Ontario Police Arbitration Commission – Sig Walter, Chair
    • Death Investigation Oversight Council – Christine McGoey, Chair
  • Deputy Solicitor General, Community Safety – Mario Di Tommaso
    Executive Advisor - Michelle Astill
    • Ontario Provincial Police – T. Carrique, Commissioner
      • Field Operations – C. Harkins, Deputy Commissioner
      • Investigations and Organized Crime – C. Cox, Deputy Commissioner
      • Traffic Safety and Operational Support – R. DiMarco, Deputy Commissioner
        • Tech and Client Services – M. Harrington, Director
      • Corporate Services – M. Silverthorne, Provincial Commander
        • Human Resources Section – M. Clark, Director
        • Business Management – A. Eamer, Bureau Commander
    • Provincial Security Advisor – C. Letang, Acting Provincial Security Advisor
      • Provincial Security – C. Unfried, Acting Deputy Provincial Security Advisor
    • Office of the Chief Coroner – Dr. D. Huyer, Chief Coroner
    • Ontario Forensic Pathology Service – Dr. M. Pollanen, Chief Pathologist
      • Operational Services – M. Chicilo, Director (this position also reports to the Chief Coroner)
    • Public Safety – R. Stubbings, Assistant Deputy Minister 
      • External Relations – O. Mosquera, Acting Director
      • Centre of Forensic Sciences – T. Tessarolo, Director
      • Chief Inspector, Animal Welfare – P. Milne, Acting Director
      • Private Security and Investigative Services – N. Sidhu, Acting Director
      • First Nation Policing – A. Jones, Acting Director
      • Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario – S. Clegg, Director
    • Public Safety Training – Vacant, Assistant Deputy Minister 
      • Ontario Police College – P. Hebert, Acting Director
    • Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management – J. Pegg, Fire Marshal
      • Standards, Training and Public Education – John McBeth, Acting Director
      • Field and Advisory Services/Deputy Fire Marshal – D. Browne, Director
      • Administration and Business Services – T. Fernandes, Director
    • Chief, Emergency Management – T. Khawja, Chief, Emergency Management
      • Emergency Management – R. Lazarus, Director
  • Deputy Solicitor General, Correctional Services – Deborah Richardson
    Acting Executive Advisor – Elaine Shin
    • Modernization Division – L. Norris, Assistant Deputy Minister
      • Transformation Services – A. Yong, Acting Director
      • Innovation, Data and Technology Advancement – K. Fitzgerald, Acting Director
      • Criminal Justice Transformation – Vacant, Director
    • Operational Support – S. Unterlander, Assistant Deputy Minister
      • Program Design and Implementation – M. Zaffino, Acting Director
      • Corporate Health Care and Wellness – M. Mayoh, Acting Director
      • External Oversight and Compliance – M. Djurakov, Acting Director
      • Business Planning and Support – A. Doobay, Acting Director
      • Correctional Services Recruitment and Training Centre – E. Dorman, Acting Director
      • Correctional Learning and Standards – K. Michalicka, Acting Director
      • Modernization Policies and Procedures – J. Melnychuck, Acting Director
    • Institutional Services – S. McGurn, Assistant Deputy Minister
      • ​Institutional Services – D. Pitfield - Executive Director
        • Eastern Region – S. Sutton, Acting Regional Director
        • Central Region – M. Parisotto, Acting Regional Director
        • Western Region – L. O'Brien, Acting Regional Director
        • Northern Region – D. Houghton, Acting Regional Director
        • Toronto Region – D. Wilson, Acting Regional Director
      • ​Institutional Operations – C. Hayhow - Acting Director
    • Community Services – R. Kulendran, Assistant Deputy Minister
      • Eastern Region – T. Robertson, Regional Director
      • Central Region – D. Kasias, Regional Director
      • Western Region – B. Forbes, Regional Director
      • Northern Region – S. Mitchell, Regional Director
    • Correctional Services Oversight and Investigations – K. West, Acting Chief
    • Anti-Racism Directorate – A. Veshkini – Acting Assistant Deputy Minister
      • ​Public Engagement, Education and Communication - R. Hong, Director
      • Policy, Research and Strategic Initiatives – A. Collymore, Acting Director
  • The following are shared services between Community Safety and Correctional Services:
    • Strategic Policy, Research and Innovation – D. Conrad, Assistant Deputy Minister
      • Strategic Policy and Research - Vacant - Director
      • Community Safety and Corrections Policy – A. Ibarguchi, Director
      • Community Safety and Intergovernmental Policy – R. Ramsarran, Director
    • Justice Technology Services (shared with Ministry of the Attorney General MAG) – C. Emile, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister/Chief Information Officer
      • MAG Solutions – A. Mazer, Acting Head
      • SolGen Solutions – C. Walpole, Head
      • Service Management – D. Thompson, Head
      • Common Cluster Solutions – S. Fournier, Head
      • Business Services – S. Mahimkar-Patrick, Director
      • Government Mobile Communications – K. Scott, Head
    • Corporate Services - A. Veshkini, Assistant Deputy Minister/Chief Administrative Officer
      • HR Strategic Business Unit – K. Sawicki, Director
      • Facilities and Capital Planning – R. Greene, Director
      • Business and Financial Planning – J. Stevenson, Director
      • Procurement and Business Improvement – P. Amodeo, Acting Director
      • Freedom of Information – E. Ragone, Coordinator
      • French Language Services – S. Derbier, Coordinator
  • The following report directly to the Deputy Minister’s offices:
    • Communications Branch – S. McGetrick, Director
    • Legal Services, B. Loewen, Director
    • Audit Services – B. Obee, Acting Director

Agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs)

Advisory and Adjudicative ABCs make communities safer by providing independent oversight and adjudicative services that protect the interest of the public.

Ontario Police Arbitration Commission (OPAC) - Adjudicative

The Commission provides conciliation and mediation-arbitration services under the Labour Relations Part VIII of the Police Services Act to assist police associations and police services boards in the resolution of disputes arising out of contract negotiations and the administration of their collective agreements.

Death Investigation Oversight Council (DIOC) – Advisory

DIOC is an independent oversight council committed to serving Ontarians by ensuring that death investigation services are provided in an effective and accountable manner. As an advisory agency, DIOC provides oversight of coroners and forensic pathologists in Ontario, supports quality death investigations, and, through its complaints committee, administers a public complaints process. In addition, DIOC provides advice and makes recommendations to the Chief Coroner regarding subsection 26(2) reviews, including whether or not a discretionary inquest should be called.

Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers’ Survivors Scholarship Fund Committee – Advisory

The Committee reviews applications submitted to the Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers' Survivors Scholarship Fund and makes funding recommendations to the Solicitor General. The Committee also advises on the administration of the scholarship fund. The scholarship is available to spouses and children of public safety officers who have died in the line of duty. The scholarship pays for the cost of post-secondary education, up to five years, including tuition, textbooks and eligible living expenses.

Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council – Advisory

Established in 1993, the Council promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals interested in public safety. The Council is a corporation without share capital under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, and is comprised of representatives from fire services, industry and the public. The Council forms partnerships, raises and distributes funds, and endorses programs and products necessary to further the development of Ontario as a fire-safe community.

Community Advisory Boards (CABs) – Advisory

Established under the Ministry of Correctional Services Act, Section 14.1, CABs provide a greater degree of transparency and enhance the accountability of Ontario correctional institutions. CABs provide oversight and independent observations of correctional facilities’ operations with a focus on community issues and stakeholder engagement.

* Expenditures are minimal and managed from within Correctional Services appropriation.

Ministry financial information

Note: Ministry Planned Expenditures include Statutory Appropriations and Consolidations.
Numbers may not add due to rounding.

Ministry Budget 2019-20, Operating and Capital

Note: ministry budget excludes capital assets and operating assets.
Numbers may not add due to rounding.

Detailed financial information

*Note that some figures for 2018-19 and 2019-20 have been restated to reflect transfers to/from other ministries and internal ministry realignments. Interim Actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2020 Ontario Budget.

Historic trends

The Ministry of the Solicitor General is the largest direct-delivery service provider in the Ontario Public Service, providing essential frontline community safety services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to maintain the safety and security of all Ontarians. Actual ministry expenses increased year over year through 2019-20 due to staffing and commodity increases as well as investments to support corrections reform and policing. The ministry takes the province’s fiscal challenges seriously and is actively working with its justice sector partners to modernize service delivery to restrain expenditures while maintaining critical service delivery.

Appendix: 2019-20 Annual report

2019-20 results

The Ministry of the Solicitor General is building stronger and safer communities by supporting the public safety needs of the people of Ontario.

Community safety

Introducing tough measures to address gun and gang violence

There is a strong correlation between gang-related crime and gun violence. In 2016, 54 per cent of firearm-related homicides in Ontario were related to gang activity.

Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy is co-led by the ministry and the Ministry of the Attorney General. The province has invested approximately $109 million in partnership with the federal government to combat gun and gang violence across Ontario. From a policing and correctional services perspective, this has resulted in:

• more specialized investigations provincewide to target organized crime and break up gang-related drug, gun and human trafficking activities
• additional investments in police resources where required to combat gun and gang violence
• expanded intelligence gathering activities in correctional services to get ahead of emerging security threats and increase collaboration with other law enforcement agencies

Creating a provincial animal welfare enforcement system with tougher penalties for offenders

Ontario becomes the leader in Canada for animal protection and enforcement, especially when it comes to tougher penalties for offenders.

Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS) came into force on January 1, 2020, creating the first fully provincial government-based animal welfare enforcement system in Canada. Previously, animal welfare enforcement was carried out by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which stepped away from the role in June 2019. The following are highlights of the new enforcement model:

• more inspectors, including a provincially appointed chief inspector, to provide provincewide coverage, including inspectors with specialized expertise in agriculture, livestock, zoos, aquariums and equines
• giving inspectors necessary powers to help animals in distress (e.g., enabling inspectors to enter motor vehicles to help pets in distress in extreme weather conditions)
• enabling courts to impose the highest financial penalties for offenders in Canada
• updating prohibitions and obligations such as barring the return of dog fighting equipment to a person convicted of an offence and harming or attempting to harm a service animal or one that works with peace officers
• establishing new oversight of inspectors for increased transparency and accountability, as well as a one-window complaints mechanism for the public

The new system is anchored by a toll-free number, 1-833-9AN-IMAL (26-4625) for people to report concerns about animal distress or abuse. The provincial call centre is open 24-7.

Supporting local and provincial public safety priorities

Local police services and community partners are the experts in maintaining public safety and addressing immediate priorities in their communities. That is why it is important to put resources directly into the hands of police services across the province.

The ministry has invested $195 million over three years (2019-20 to 2021-22) to provide police services across the province with the resources they need to combat local crime and keep communities safe, as well as help address provincial priorities such as gun and gang violence, sexual violence and harassment and human trafficking.

Under the ministry’s newly created Community Safety and Policing Grant program, 89 police service boards have been allocated a total of $181 million to address local public safety concerns such as mental health issues and addictions, impaired driving, property crime and other risks factors contributing to crime and social disorder. The funding will help support police services with personnel, training, equipment, engagement and education, as well as local research and analysis. In addition, $14 million has been allocated to 18 police services boards to support provincial public safety priorities.

In 2019-20, the ministry also invested $2.4 million to help police services across the province detect impaired drivers and keep streets and highways safe under the Reduce Impaired Drivers Everywhere Grant.

Giving police more tools to find missing persons

In 2018, there were 7,497 incidents of adult Ontarians reported missing to the police. The first hours after a loved one goes missing are critical in locating them.

Previously, when a person went missing without evidence of criminal activity, police were limited in the ways they could investigate. The ministry has provided frontline police officers with more tools to respond quickly to missing persons investigations, while balancing concerns for an individual’s privacy.

The Missing Persons Act provides police with three additional tools to use when there is no evidence a crime has been committed:

• obtain copies of records that may assist in a search
• obtain a search warrant to enter a premises to locate a missing person
• make an urgent demand for certain records without a court order

The act sets out tests to obtain court authorization for access to records or search warrants and to execute urgent demands for records. It requires police and the courts to consider privacy issues and whether there is evidence that a person does not wish to be located. The act also includes guidelines on what information police may disclose about a missing person.

Improving public safety and strengthening fire protection

Ensuring modern and robust fire safety rules protect the lives of citizens as well as firefighters.

The ministry strengthened fire protection across the province through changes to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA). The FPPA establishes the legislative framework for delivery of fire protection services in Ontario, including the role and powers of municipalities and Ontario’s Fire Marshal. Changes introduced in 2019-20 strengthen and enable more effective and efficient enforcement of fire safety across Ontario and include:

• Limitation clause: A new limitation clause gives fire services one year after they become aware of the alleged offence to initiate prosecutions. Previously, fire services only had six months to initiate a prosecution after the alleged offence occurred.
• Cost recovery: Fire services are now able to recover costs related to installing fencing, hiring security and purchasing locks from building owners in instances where a fire service must immediately close a building as a result of significant fire safety risks, and with authorization from Ontario’s Fire Marshal.
• Increased fines: Maximum fines have increased to better align penalties with the severity of fire-related offences in the act. These changes include putting in place higher maximum fines for subsequent offences to make violators of fire safety rules face the consequences of their actions.

Strengthening Ontario’s specialized disaster response

Ontario is no stranger to natural disasters. When a disaster is too large scale or complex for local fire, police and paramedics alone, a more specialized response is essential.

The ministry invested $2.5 million in specialized disaster search and rescue. Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) and Hazardous Materials (HazMat) teams are run by the fire, police and paramedic services of their respective municipalities and are activated under agreements between these municipalities and the province of Ontario. The ministry’s announcement upgraded response capability across the province and is enhancing USAR, CBRNE and HazMat training.

In the last two years, Ontario’s USAR, CBRNE and HazMat teams have responded to large-scale emergencies seven times, including a building collapse, chemical spills and the discovery of a suspicious white powder. Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management also responds to multiple calls for advice and assistance.

The funding supports specialized teams in North Bay, Ottawa, Peterborough, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Windsor to strengthen Ontario’s response capability and capacity, reduce response times and increase geographic coverage across the province.

Keeping the 24/7 Crime Stoppers tip line open

“Everyone has a role to play when it comes to community safety. Sharing tips with the police through Crime Stoppers can help keep communities safe.”

The ministry announced a $450,000 investment over two years to keep the Crime Stoppers tip line open after hours. Although technologies, including text and community safety apps have been introduced to optimize tip submissions, the telephone remains a critical link between Crime Stoppers and the public. In Ontario, there are 39 Crime Stoppers programs linked by a single toll-free telephone number that works anywhere in North America.

Correctional services

Establishing the first dedicated mental health unit for female inmates

More than one third of women entering correctional facilities are experiencing some kind of mental health issue. A dedicated mental health unit will provide better and more integrated health supports.

The ministry has partnered with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences to create the province’s first dedicated unit to help female inmates who have acute mental health needs. The new five-bed unit will provide specialty psychiatric care and other services for women in custody whose needs are too complex for general hospitals.

Located at the Ontario Shores facility in Whitby, the ministry is investing $3.5 million over two years to open and support the unit. The majority of referrals will come from the Vanier Centre for Women.

Ontario Shores has been helping people living with mental illness for 100 years. The unit is expected to be operational by late 2020. A dedicated unit responds to a condition of the Jahn settlement to improve services for female inmates with mental health issues.

Introducing new training for corrections officers focused on mental health

“Staff safety is critical in correctional services. Ontario’s redesigned training program will teach the skills that frontline officers need to succeed in a modern corrections environment.”

The ministry introduced a new redesigned curriculum to educate and prepare incoming correctional officers, including an increased focus on key areas such as human rights, mental health, health and safety and team work. Corrections Foundational Training replaces the former Correctional Officer Training and Assessment program. The modernized training program includes more job-specific case studies and scenario-based learning, as well as an emphasis on communication and de-escalation skills.

Making Ontario’s correctional facilities safer

Institutional Security Teams keep correctional facilities and frontline staff safe by gathering intelligence about criminal activity inside and outside a facility.

Keeping gang activity, drugs and weapons out of correctional facilities is critical to ensuring a safe work environment for frontline staff. The ministry added Institutional Security Teams (ISTs) at the Niagara Detention Centre and Toronto East Detention Centre, building on the ISTs already in place at five of the province’s largest correctional facilities. Each IST is made up of at least four experienced correctional officers. ISTs help prevent drug trafficking and detect contraband items. They do so by gathering intelligence from the inmate population and other sources to share with justice partners, including police services. This information is used to assist in the investigation of inmates engaged in criminal activities within Ontario’s adult correctional institutions.

Improving safety and security at correctional facilities in the North

With an increasingly complex and diverse inmate population as well as rising instances of inmate on staff violence, it is critical to work with frontline staff on solutions that work to keep them safe.

The ministry improved safety and increased security at three of its northern correctional facilities. Institutional Crisis Intervention teams (ICIT) at the Thunder Bay Jail and Correctional Centre, Kenora Jail and Monteith Correctional Complex were increased by three members each, bringing the total combined number of ICIT members to 45 for these institutions.

ICITs are responsible for controlling violent or potentially violent inmates as well as removing and escorting these inmates within the institution or transferring them to another institution. There are 69 ICIT members across 23 adult institutions in Ontario. Each member is required to successfully complete 10 days of specialized training and maintain ongoing certification. Due to the vast distance between adult correctional facilities in the north, and the potential need for this specialized skillset, these institutions will benefit from the ability to call on an additional team when necessary.

Expanding female correctional services in the North

Adding capacity at the Monteith Correctional Complex means being better able to support female inmates and protect communities in the North.

A 40-bed expansion of the female unit at the Monteith Correctional Complex has increased overall capacity to 50 beds and enabled corrections staff to deliver services tailored to the unique needs of female inmates, including those who are experiencing trauma. The added capacity to this northern institution also allows for female inmates to stay closer to their home communities, which is an important factor in their rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates.

COVID‑19 response

As the ministry responsible for community safety, including emergency management, the Ministry of the Solicitor General is the province’s operational centre for emergency response such as 2020’s COVID‑19 pandemic. During the outbreak, the ministry-operated Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) monitored the pandemic through daily contact with other provincial ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care, municipalities, First Nations communities, government and non-government agencies such as the Red Cross, and federal partners, including Public Safety Canada and the Department of National Defense.

On March 17, 2020, Ontario issued a Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to try to slow the spread of the virus. The ministry is involved in the development and execution of Emergency Orders under an emergency declaration. Orders issued during the COVID‑19 outbreak include the closure of public places and establishments, prohibiting events and gatherings of more than five people, prohibiting unfair pricing on necessary goods and the enforcement of orders.

During this time, measures were put in place to protect ministry frontline workers and support their ability to deliver critical programs and services to Ontarians. The ministry also distributed guidance for police officers, firefighters, coroner and forensic personnel, and correctional service staff in response to COVID‑19 including guidance on best practices for social distancing and use of personal protective equipment. A direct help line was opened to support police officers and other enforcement personnel to provide support regarding the enforcement of emergency orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Correctional services implemented its pandemic plan related to institutions and probation offices and took necessary measures to isolate offenders and release low risk offenders. All ministry facilities continue to be required to uphold rigid cleaning protocols.

The ministry also began updating its Ontario Alert online emergency site, including posting each of the emergency orders, personal safety tips and other links to COVID‑19-related sites, including that provided by the Ministry of Health.

COVID‑19 also coincided with the spring flooding season, placing the PEOC in the unprecedented situation of assisting municipalities with pandemic and emergency response protocols and questions, while planning for the support and potential evacuation of First Nation communities in the North.

Note: Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2020 Ontario Budget.