Bold steps needed to reduce Ontario deficit

Premier-designate Doug Ford wants to find efficiencies in public spending. Let me help.

The public funding of two separate education systems is inefficient and unsustainable.

It has been reported that savings could be obtained of about $1.5 billion annually by merging the two school systems.

The main savings are obtained from eliminating the necessity of separate schools, expensive duplication of administration and separate busing.

It is hoped that Ford follows through on his promise to lead “for all the people.”

It is time to realize the savings and merge the two systems.All we need is the political will.

The provinces of Newfoundland and Quebec have already done so with little upheaval. Peter van Tol, Mississauga Now that Ontario has elected a new government, the time has come to reduce and eventually retire the massive multibillion-dollar deficit.

One sure way to begin the process would be to reduce public-sector salaries by 15 per cent. This would achieve billions in savings almost immediately.

Those affected would surely be up in arms but a strong leader would simply invite them to move over to the private sector.

With regard to Hydro executive salaries, legislation should be passed to reduce their salaries immediately. Those affected would retain the option to resign.

Legislation such as this should negate the need for severance allowances.

Tough. Sure, but we need to take bold steps to turn things around. Al Truscott, Collingwood