Summary

The Ministry of the Attorney General is responsible for the administration and delivery of justice services to all communities in Ontario. The Ministry co-ordinates the administration of criminal, civil and family court services providing courtroom and judicial support services in approximately 166 court locations throughout Ontario. The Ministry prosecutes matters under the Criminal Code of Canada, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and provincial statutes. The Ministry is building integrated and enhanced services to victims of crime by providing a range of victim services such as the Victim/Witness Assistance Program. The Ministry also delivers programs that provide critical supports to children and vulnerable persons, through the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, and the Office of the Children's Lawyer. In addition, the Ministry provides expert legal services to government ministries, agencies, boards and commissions, including advice to the government on constitutional questions and civil litigation conducted on behalf of the Crown. Agencies, boards and commissions that are overseen by the Ministry include the Office for Victims of Crime, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the Environment and Land Tribunals of Ontario, the Social Justice Tribunals of Ontario, the Safety, License Appeals and Standards Tribunals of Ontario, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and the Human Rights Legal Support Centre. The Ministry also funds Legal Aid Ontario and administers the Special Investigations Unit and the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

Ministry program summary

Operating expense

Vote Program Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
301 Ministry Administration Program $218,223,900 $201,089,000 $17,134,900 $198,573,426
302 Prosecuting Crime Program $269,509,900 $252,118,900 $17,391,000 $262,934,204
303 Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies Program $589,832,600 $564,882,300 $24,950,300 $545,331,505
304 Legal Services Program $32,680,600 $30,827,800 $1,852,800 $30,944,379
305 Court Services Program $427,415,300 $418,418,700 $8,996,600 $424,257,866
306 Victims and Vulnerable Persons Program $174,649,600 $171,618,200 $3,031,400 $168,994,745
307 Political contribution tax credit $5,652,400 $6,929,600 ($1,277,200) $13,456,500
  Total operating expense to be voted $1,717,964,300 $1,645,884,500 $72,079,800 $1,644,492,625
  Statutory appropriations $5,368,014 $5,368,014 - $25,103,282
  Ministry total operating expense $1,723,332,314 $1,651,252,514 $72,079,800 $1,669,595,907
  Consolidation adjustment - Legal Aid Ontario $36,666,000 $39,328,500 ($2,662,500) $33,587,485
  Total including consolidation & other adjustments $1,759,998,314 $1,690,581,014 $69,417,300 $1,703,183,392

Operating assets

Vote Program Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
301 Ministry Administration Program $1,000 $9,800 ($8,800) $17,494
302 Prosecuting Crime Program $1,000 $1,432,100 ($1,431,100) $1,304,195
303 Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies Program $3,000 $77,000 ($74,000) $79,130
304 Legal Services Program $1,000 $217,000 ($216,000) $199,562
305 Court Services Program $1,000 $64,400 ($63,400) $60,933
306 Victims and Vulnerable Persons Program $1,000 $88,200 ($87,200) $87,294
  Total operating assets to be voted $8,000 $1,888,500 ($1,880,500) $1,748,608
  Ministry total operating assets $8,000 $1,888,500 ($1,880,500) $1,748,608

Capital expense

Vote Program Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
301 Ministry Administration Program $43,335,400 $38,334,400 $5,001,000 $29,264,230
302 Prosecuting Crime Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
303 Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
304 Legal Services Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
305 Court Services Program $60,018,400 $44,849,800 $15,168,600 $42,361,505
306 Victims and Vulnerable Persons Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted $103,357,800 $83,188,200 $20,169,600 $71,625,735
  Statutory appropriations $824,100 $1,041,000 ($216,900) $977,274
  Ministry total capital expense $104,181,900 $84,229,200 $19,952,700 $72,603,009
  Consolidation adjustment - Legal Aid Ontario $3,584,000 $4,109,500 ($525,500) $2,413,138
  Capital expense adjustment - - - $4,092,519
  Total including consolidation & other adjustments $107,765,900 $88,338,700 $19,427,200 $79,108,666

Capital assets

Vote Program Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
303 Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies Program $4,271,900 $3,396,400 $875,500 $1,487,421
305 Court Services Program $7,470,200 $32,300,000 ($24,829,800) $10,162,006
  Total capital assets to be voted $11,742,100 $35,696,400 ($23,954,300) $11,649,427
  Ministry total capital assets $11,742,100 $35,696,400 ($23,954,300) $11,649,427
  Ministry Total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) $1,867,764,214 $1,778,919,714 $88,844,500 $1,782,292,058

Reconciliation to previously published data

Operating expense 2015‑16 Estimates 2014‑15 Actual
Total operating expense previously published footnote 1 $1,652,152,514 $1,670,495,907
Government reorganization    
Transfer of functions to other Ministries ($900,000) ($900,000)
Restated total operating expense $1,651,252,514 $1,669,595,907

Ministry Administration Program - vote 301

This program provides for the overall administration of the Ministry. The Corporate Services Management Division (CSMD) provides strategic support and advice in the areas of business and fiscal planning, human resources, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, emergency management, facilities management and oversight of the Ministry’s capital, accommodation and lease portfolio. CSMD also delivers shared services for the Justice Sector, including security support, freedom of information and French language services. As well, CSMD provides service management for the centrally delivered audit and assurance services.

The Modernization Division leads transformational change and works collaboratively across the divisions to assist the Ministry in modernizing its services, both public and internal. This division provides strategic development, implementation and integration of key initiatives that support the Ministry's vision, and focuses on the modernization of the delivery of Ministry services.

In addition, the Ministry Administration Program includes the Communications Branch, the Attorney General's Office, Parliamentary Assistant's Office and the Deputy Attorney General's Office.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
1 Ministry administration $204,489,500 $196,045,600 $8,443,900 $192,723,474
6 Modernization Division $13,734,400 $5,043,400 $8,691,000 $5,849,952
  Total operating expense to be voted $218,223,900 $201,089,000 $17,134,900 $198,573,426
S Minister's salary, the Executive Council Act $47,841 $47,841 - $49,301
S Parliamentary Assistant's salary, the Executive Council Act $16,173 $16,173 - $16,667
  Total statutory appropriations $64,014 $64,014 - $65,968
  Total operating expense $218,287,914 $201,153,014 $17,134,900 $198,639,394

Operating assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
5 Law Society fee prepayment $1,000 $9,800 ($8,800) $17,494
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000 $9,800 ($8,800) $17,494
  Total operating assets $1,000 $9,800 ($8,800) $17,494

Capital expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2 Facilities renewal $43,335,400 $38,333,400 $5,002,000 $29,264,230
- Ministry administration - $1,000 ($1,000) -
  Total capital expense to be voted $43,335,400 $38,334,400 $5,001,000 $29,264,230
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act - - - $13,431
  Total statutory appropriations - - - $13,431
  Total capital expense $43,335,400 $38,334,400 $5,001,000 $29,277,661

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount
301-1 Ministry administration    
  Salaries and wages   $18,586,600
  Employee benefits   $2,329,400
  Transportation and communication   $518,700
  Services   $182,889,700
  Supplies and equipment   $166,100
  Subtotal   $204,490,500
  Less: recoveries   $1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   $204,489,500
  Sub-items:    
  Main office    
  Salaries and wages $2,087,700  
  Employee benefits $246,400  
  Transportation and communication $13,300  
  Services $294,400  
  Supplies and equipment $20,800 $2,662,600
  Communications services    
  Salaries and wages $2,320,500  
  Employee benefits $284,200  
  Transportation and communication $20,100  
  Services $111,900  
  Supplies and equipment $20,000 $2,756,700
  Audit services    
  Services $1,553,300 $1,553,300
  Facilities services    
  Salaries and wages $3,619,000  
  Employee benefits $517,100  
  Transportation and communication $96,800  
  Services $232,200  
  Supplies and equipment $23,300 $4,488,400
  Accommodation - lease costs    
  Services $171,975,700 $171,975,700
  Business planning    
  Salaries and wages $6,371,100  
  Employee benefits $665,100  
  Transportation and communication $249,800  
  Services $8,126,400  
  Supplies and equipment $40,300 $15,452,700
  French language services    
  Salaries and wages $580,000  
  Employee benefits $70,000  
  Transportation and communication $23,000  
  Services $286,500  
  Supplies and equipment $2,000  
  Subtotal $961,500  
  Less: recoveries $1,000 $960,500
  Freedom of information and privacy    
  Salaries and wages $187,800  
  Employee benefits $42,600  
  Transportation and communication $15,400  
  Services $17,300  
  Supplies and equipment $11,900 $275,000
  Human resources    
  Salaries and wages $3,420,500  
  Employee benefits $504,000  
  Transportation and communication $100,300  
  Services $292,000  
  Supplies and equipment $47,800 $4,364,600
  Total operating expense to be voted   $204,489,500
  Statutory appropriations    
Statutory Minister's salary, the Executive Council Act   $47,841
Statutory Parliamentary Assistant's salary, the Executive Council Act   $16,173
301-6 Modernization Division    
  Salaries and wages   $5,741,700
  Employee benefits   $703,100
  Transportation and communication   $139,700
  Services   $7,112,000
  Supplies and equipment   $36,900
  Transfer payments    
  Innovation Projects   $1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   $13,734,400
  Total operating expense for Ministry Administration Program   $218,287,914

Operating assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
301-5 Law Society fee prepayment  
  Deposits and prepaid expenses $1,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000
  Total operating assets for Ministry Administration Program $1,000

Capital expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount
301-2 Facilities renewal    
  Other transactions    
  Capital investments - asset renewal $33,819,100  
  Capital investments - renewal expense $9,516,300 $43,335,400
  Total capital expense to be voted   $43,335,400
  Total capital expense for Ministry Administration Program   $43,335,400

Prosecuting Crime Program - vote 302

This program is responsible for the prosecution of all criminal offences under the Criminal Code and other federal and provincial statutes, to inspire public confidence and uphold the Rule of Law. This program also provides legal representation for the Crown in right of Ontario in all criminal matters, including prosecuting criminal cases before all levels of courts, representing the Crown on appeal and providing legal advice to the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General in all criminal law matters and to the police upon request.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2 Criminal law $269,509,900 $252,118,900 $17,391,000 $262,934,204
  Total operating expense to be voted $269,509,900 $252,118,900 $17,391,000 $262,934,204
S Payments under the Financial Administration Act $1,000 $1,000 - $250,793
  Total statutory appropriations $1,000 $1,000 - $250,793
  Total operating expense $269,510,900 $252,119,900 $17,391,000 $263,184,997

Operating assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
7 Law Society fee prepayment $1,000 $1,432,100 ($1,431,100) $1,304,195
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000 $1,432,100 ($1,431,100) $1,304,195
  Total operating assets $1,000 $1,432,100 ($1,431,100) $1,304,195

Capital expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
5 Prosecuting crime $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - -
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act - $11,700 ($11,700) $58,032
  Total statutory appropriations - $11,700 ($11,700) $58,032
  Total capital expense $1,000 $12,700 ($11,700) $58,032

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount
302-2 Criminal law    
  Salaries and wages   $206,486,400
  Employee benefits   $24,943,800
  Transportation and communication   $5,384,200
  Services   $21,133,000
  Supplies and equipment   $4,498,300
  Transfer payments    
  Bail Safety $1,435,000  
  Youth Justice Committees $1,775,200  
  Direct Accountability Programs $3,604,000  
  Proceeds of Crime Victims Compensation $250,000 $7,064,200
  Total operating expense to be voted   $269,509,900
  Statutory appropriations    
  Other transactions    
Statutory Payments under the Financial Administration Act   $1,000
  Total operating expense for Prosecuting Crime Program   $269,510,900

Operating assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
302-7 Law Society fee prepayment  
  Deposits and prepaid expenses $1,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000
  Total operating assets for Prosecuting Crime Program $1,000

Capital expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
302-5 Prosecuting Crime  
  Other transactions $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000
  Total capital expense for Prosecuting Crime Program $1,000

Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies Program - vote 303

The Policy Division is responsible for the ministry’s policy and legislative agenda, with a particular emphasis on civil, family and public law legal-policy issues. It provides strategic, legal and corporate policy advice, oversees policy initiatives, and offers support and expertise to other divisions within the Ministry. The division also serves as the ministry’s main point of contact with Cabinet Office. Other responsibilities include the establishment and oversight of public inquiries, development of Federal/Provincial/Territorial strategies, liaison with the Law Commission of Ontario and oversight of four self - regulated professions – lawyers, accountants, professional engineers and architects.

The Agency and Tribunal Relations Division manages the accountability relationship with the Ministry’s adjudicative, regulatory and operational agencies, tribunals and programs. This includes:

  • Legal Aid Ontario
  • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
  • Ontario Human Rights Commission
  • Human Rights Legal Support Centre
  • Office of the Independent Police Review Director
  • Special Investigations Unit
  • Public Accountants Council
  • Bail Verification and Supervision Program
  • Environment and Land Tribunals Ontario (includes Assessment Review Board, Environmental Review Tribunal, Conservation Review Board, Ontario Municipal Board, and Board of Negotiation)
  • Social Justice Tribunals Ontario (includes Landlord and Tenant Board, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Social Benefits Tribunal, Custody Review Board, Child and Family Services Review Board, Ontario Special Education Tribunal, and Criminal Injuries Compensation Board)
  • Safety, Licensing Appeals and Standards Tribunals Ontario (includes License Appeal Tribunal, Animal Care Review Board, Fire Safety Commission, Ontario Civilian Police Commission, Ontario Parole Board)

The Aboriginal Justice Division is dedicated to addressing Aboriginal justice issues. It is committed to building strong, positive and respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities in Ontario in order to improve trust in, and understanding of, the justice system. The Division provides advice to the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General on matters relating to Aboriginal justice, including legal issues. In partnership with other divisions and justice sector ministries and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, it provides strategic leadership and advice on a spectrum of Aboriginal-related justice matters. The Aboriginal Justice Division provides strategic support to the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Group and the Debwewin Committee, and collaborates with counterparts across the ministry to ensure that ministry programming responds to the needs of Aboriginal Peoples.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2 Legal Aid Ontario $393,359,100 $386,089,100 $7,270,000 $364,297,757
4 Agency and tribunal relations $179,129,100 $166,366,400 $12,762,700 $165,729,001
8 Policy $5,871,700 $4,919,800 $951,900 $9,234,799
13 Aboriginal Justice Division $11,472,700 $7,507,000 $3,965,700 $6,069,948
  Total operating expense to be voted $589,832,600 $564,882,300 $24,950,300 $545,331,505
S Hearings under the Police Services Act $1,000 $1,000 - $177,237
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act $1,000 $1,000 - $139,389
  Total statutory appropriations $2,000 $2,000 - $316,626
  Total operating expense $589,834,600 $564,884,300 $24,950,300 $545,648,131

Operating assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
12 Law Society fee prepayment $3,000 $77,000 ($74,000) $79,130
  Total operating assets to be voted $3,000 $77,000 ($74,000) $79,130
  Total operating assets $3,000 $77,000 ($74,000) $79,130

Capital expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
5 Policy,justice programs and agencies $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - -
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $264,200 $304,200 ($40,000) $345,723
  Total statutory appropriations $264,200 $304,200 ($40,000) $345,723
  Total capital expense $265,200 $305,200 ($40,000) $345,723

Capital assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
6 Policy, justice programs and agencies $4,271,900 $3,396,400 $875,500 $1,487,421
  Total capital assets to be voted $4,271,900 $3,396,400 $875,500 $1,487,421
  Total Capital assets $4,271,900 $3,396,400 $875,500 $1,487,421

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount
303-2 Legal Aid Ontario    
  Transfer payments    
  Legal aid fund certificates - client services $331,730,100  
  Legal aid fund certificates - administration $24,348,100  
  Legal aid fund community legal clinics $37,280,900 $393,359,100
  Total operating expense to be voted   $393,359,100
303-4 Agency and tribunal relations    
  Salaries and wages   $143,691,400
  Employee benefits   $20,592,000
  Transportation and communication   $7,719,300
  Services   $34,836,600
  Supplies and equipment   $3,665,500
  Transfer payments    
  Compensation to victims of crime $25,916,700  
  Bail verification and supervision $6,445,800  
  Victims of abuse $1,000  
  Human Rights legal support centre $5,336,200 $37,699,700
  Subtotal   $248,204,500
  Less: recoveries   $69,075,400
  Total operating expense to be voted   $179,129,100
  Sub-items:    
  Agency relations/program management    
  Salaries and wages $3,527,800  
  Employee benefits $431,800  
  Transportation and communication $87,900  
  Services $333,700  
  Supplies and equipment $40,800  
  Subtotal $4,422,000  
  Less: recoveries $180,000 $4,242,000
  Bail verification and supervision    
  Transfer payments    
  Bail verification and supervision $6,445,800 $6,445,800
  Victims of abuse    
  Transfer payments    
  Victims of abuse $1,000 $1,000
  Ontario Human Rights Commission    
  Salaries and wages $4,761,200  
  Employee benefits $362,200  
  Transportation and communication $193,200  
  Services $307,400  
  Supplies and equipment $28,200 $5,652,200
  Human Rights Legal Support Centre    
  Transfer payments    
  Human Rights Legal Support Centre $5,336,200 $5,336,200
  Office of the Independent Police Review Director    
  Salaries and wages $5,177,200  
  Employee benefits $542,500  
  Transportation and communication $295,300  
  Services $480,900  
  Supplies and equipment $574,100 $7,070,000
  Special Investigations Unit    
  Salaries and wages $5,997,400  
  Employee benefits $753,700  
  Transportation and communication $215,000  
  Services $266,200  
  Supplies and equipment $61,700 $7,294,000
  Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario    
  Salaries and wages $63,254,400  
  Employee benefits $10,969,400  
  Transportation and communication $2,912,000  
  Services $18,284,600  
  Supplies and equipment $1,698,300  
  Subtotal $97,118,700  
  Less: recoveries $68,438,100 $28,680,600
  Social justice tribunals    
  Salaries and wages $33,723,700  
  Employee benefits $4,042,900  
  Transportation and communication $2,532,700  
  Services $9,534,800  
  Supplies and equipment $1,012,600  
  Transfer payments    
  Compensation to victims of crime $25,916,700 $76,763,400
  Environment and Land Tribunals Ontario    
  Salaries and wages $12,273,700  
  Employee benefits $1,465,500  
  Transportation and communication $986,300  
  Services $2,401,400  
  Supplies and equipment $167,100 $17,294,000
  Safety, Licensing Appeals and Standards Tribunals Ontario    
  Salaries and wages $14,976,000  
  Employee benefits $2,024,000  
  Transportation and communication $496,900  
  Services $3,227,600  
  Supplies and equipment $82,700  
  Subtotal $20,807,200  
  Less: recoveries $457,300 $20,349,900
  Total operating expense to be voted   $179,129,100
  Statutory appropriations    
  Other transactions    
Statutory Hearings under the Police Services Act   $1,000
  Statutory appropriations    
  Other transactions    
Statutory Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act   $1,000
303-8 Policy    
  Salaries and wages   $4,189,500
  Employee benefits   $512,000
  Transportation and communication   $183,100
  Services   $686,400
  Supplies and equipment   $50,700
  Transfer payments    
  Law Commission of Ontario   $250,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   $5,871,700
  Sub-items:    
  Policy    
  Salaries and wages $4,189,500  
  Employee benefits $512,000  
  Transportation and communication $183,100  
  Services $684,400  
  Supplies and equipment $50,700 $5,619,700
  Public Inquiries    
  Services $1,000 $1,000
  Law Commission of Ontario    
  Transfer payments    
  Law Commission of Ontario $250,000 $250,000
  Royal Commissions    
  Services $1,000 $1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   $5,871,700
303-13 Aboriginal Justice Division    
  Salaries and wages   $2,134,300
  Employee benefits   $256,500
  Transportation and communication   $492,300
  Services   $1,595,700
  Supplies and equipment   $129,500
  Transfer payments    
  Ontario Aboriginal Courtwork Program $3,898,000  
  Aboriginal Justice Projects $1,450,400  
  Jury Roll $1,516,000 $6,864,400
  Total operating expense to be voted   $11,472,700
  Total operating expense for Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies Program   $589,834,600

Operating assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
303-12 Law Society fee prepayment  
  Deposits and prepaid expenses $3,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $3,000
  Total operating assets for Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies Program $3,000

Capital expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
303-5 Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies  
  Other transactions $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000
  Statutory appropriations  
  Other transactions  
Statutory Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $264,200
  Total capital expense for Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies Program $265,200

Capital assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
303-6 Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies  
  Information technology hardware $173,900
  Business application software - asset costs $4,098,000
  Total capital assets to be voted $4,271,900
  Total Capital assets for Policy, Justice Programs and Agencies Program $4,271,900

Legal Services Program - vote 304

This program supports the role of the Attorney General as Chief Law Officer of the Crown. The program conducts all litigation for and against the Crown on any subject within the authority or jurisdiction of the Legislature. It also ensures that the administration of public affairs is in accordance with the law, provides expert legal advice, advocacy and legal representation before tribunals and at all levels of court.

This program includes the work of the Office of Legislative Counsel which is responsible for legislative drafting in English and French. This includes drafting bills for the Government and members of the Legislative Assembly and drafting regulations. The Office also provides related legal advice and editing and publishing services, including providing the content for the e-Laws website.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2 Legal Services $26,995,100 $25,381,800 $1,613,300 $26,179,866
3 Legislative Counsel Services $5,685,500 $5,446,000 $239,500 $4,764,513
  Total operating expense to be voted $32,680,600 $30,827,800 $1,852,800 $30,944,379
S The Proceedings Against the Crown Act $1,000 $1,000 - $13,756,667
  Total statutory appropriations $1,000 $1,000 - $13,756,667
  Total operating expense $32,681,600 $30,828,800 $1,852,800 $44,701,046

Operating assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
6 Law Society fee prepayment $1,000 $217,000 ($216,000) $199,562
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000 $217,000 ($216,000) $199,562
  Total operating assets $1,000 $217,000 ($216,000) $199,562

Capital expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
4 Legal Services $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - -
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $2,200 $6,800 ($4,600) $10,344
  Total statutory appropriations $2,200 $6,800 ($4,600) $10,344
  Total capital expense $3,200 $7,800 ($4,600) $10,344

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount Amount
304-2 Legal Services      
  Salaries and wages     $130,507,000
  Employee benefits     $11,023,600
  Transportation and communication     $154,000
  Services     $2,410,300
  Supplies and equipment     $68,900
  Transfer payments      
  Civil remedies for illicit activities - Civil Remedies Act - victims compensation   $1,420,600  
  Civil remedies for illicit activities - Civil Remedies Act - cost recovery   $1,000  
  Civil remedies for illicit activities - Civil Remedies Act - grants   $1,200,000 $2,621,600
  Subtotal     $146,785,400
  Less: recoveries     $119,790,300
  Total operating expense to be voted     $26,995,100
  Sub-items:      
  Civil and Constitutional Law      
  Salaries and wages   $24,109,100  
  Employee benefits   $2,852,000  
  Transportation and communication   $154,000  
  Services   $2,410,300  
  Supplies and equipment   $68,900  
  Transfer payments      
  Civil remedies for illicit activities - Civil Remedies Act - victims compensation $1,420,600    
  Civil remedies for illicit activities - Civil Remedies Act - cost Recovery $1,000    
  Civil remedies for illicit activities - Civil Remedies Act - grants $1,200,000 $2,621,600  
  Subtotal   $32,215,900  
  Less: recoveries   $5,221,800 $26,994,100
  Seconded Legal Services      
  Salaries and wages   $106,397,900  
  Employee benefits   $8,171,600  
  Subtotal   $114,569,500  
  Less: recoveries   $114,568,500 $1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted     $26,995,100
  Statutory appropriations      
  Other transactions      
Statutory The Proceedings Against the Crown Act     $1,000
304-3 Legislative Counsel Services      
  Salaries and wages     $6,586,100
  Employee benefits     $664,400
  Transportation and communication     $33,800
  Services     $210,200
  Supplies and equipment     $55,000
  Subtotal     $7,549,500
  Less: recoveries     $1,864,000
  Total operating expense to be voted     $5,685,500
  Total operating expense for Legal Services Program     $32,681,600

Operating assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
304-6 Law Society fee prepayment  
  Deposits and prepaid expenses $1,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000
  Total operating assets for Legal Services Program $1,000

Capital expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
304-4 Legal Services  
  Other transactions $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000
  Statutory appropriations  
  Other transactions  
Statutory Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $2,200
  Total capital expense for Legal Services Program $3,200

Court Services Program - vote 305

This program is responsible for the administration and functioning of criminal, civil, family and small claims courts in Ontario. These services comprise three main components:

  • Court administration
  • Judicial services
  • Court construction

Court administration and judicial services provide judicial, courtroom and court operational support, and are divided into three key program areas:

  • Court and Client Services
  • Program Support Services
  • Judicial Services

Court construction, which is delivered by Corporate Services Management Division (Facilities Management Branch), manages funding for new courthouses and large-scale renovations of existing court facilities to support a justice system that is modern, secure and accessible.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
1 Administration of Justice $259,187,000 $259,537,700 ($350,700) $259,388,605
2 Judicial Services $168,228,300 $158,881,000 $9,347,300 $164,869,261
  Total operating expense to be voted $427,415,300 $418,418,700 $8,996,600 $424,257,866
S Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act $5,300,000 $5,300,000 - $10,713,228
  Total statutory appropriations $5,300,000 $5,300,000 - $10,713,228
  Total operating expense $432,715,300 $423,718,700 $8,996,600 $434,971,094

Operating assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
6 Law Society fee prepayment $1,000 $64,400 ($63,400) $60,933
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000 $64,400 ($63,400) $60,933
  Total operating assets $1,000 $64,400 ($63,400) $60,933

Capital expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
3 Court Construction $60,017,400 $44,848,800 $15,168,600 $42,361,505
4 Court Services $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted $60,018,400 $44,849,800 $15,168,600 $42,361,505
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $545,400 $702,600 ($157,200) $528,371
  Total statutory appropriations $545,400 $702,600 ($157,200) $528,371
  Total capital expense $60,563,800 $45,552,400 $15,011,400 $42,889,876

Capital assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
5 Court Services $7,470,200 $32,300,000 ($24,829,800) $10,162,006
  Total capital assets to be voted $7,470,200 $32,300,000 ($24,829,800) $10,162,006
  Total Capital assets $7,470,200 $32,300,000 ($24,829,800) $10,162,006

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
305-1 Administration of Justice  
  Salaries and wages $164,377,100
  Employee benefits $28,043,000
  Transportation and communication $7,424,200
  Services $50,865,200
  Supplies and equipment $7,391,800
  Transfer payments  
  Federal Contraventions Act support for french language services $1,086,700
  Subtotal $259,188,000
  Less: recoveries $1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted $259,187,000
  Statutory appropriations  
  Other transactions  
Statutory Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act $5,300,000
305-2 Judicial Services  
  Salaries and wages $144,802,600
  Employee benefits $11,634,100
  Transportation and communication $4,461,900
  Services $6,607,700
  Supplies and equipment $721,000
  Transfer payments  
  Grants - National Judicial Institute/Ontario Conference of Judges $1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted $168,228,300
  Total operating expense for Court Services Program $432,715,300

Operating assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
305-6 Law Society fee prepayment  
  Deposits and prepaid expenses $1,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000
  Total operating assets for Court Services Program $1,000

Capital expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
305-3 Court Construction  
  Transfer payments  
  Land Transfers $1,000
  Other transactions  
  Major Infrastructure Projects - Payments $60,016,400
  Total capital expense to be voted $60,017,400
305-4 Court Services  
  Other transactions $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000
  Statutory appropriations  
  Other transactions  
Statutory Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $545,400
  Total capital expense for Court Services Program $60,563,800

Capital assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
305-5 Court services  
  Buildings – alternative financing and procurement $7,470,200
  Total capital assets to be voted $7,470,200
  Total capital assets for Court Services Program $7,470,200

Victims and Vulnerable Persons Program - vote 306

This program delivers vital services to victims of crime, children, and vulnerable persons. Victims of crime are supported through the Ontario Victim Services Program, which offers a wide array of services delivered both directly and through ministry funded community agencies. Mentally incapable adults receive personal and property guardianship services from the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, and the Office of the Children's Lawyer protects the personal and property rights of children before courts and tribunals. The Office for Victims of Crime, a statutory advisory agency, is also included in this program.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
1 Victims' services $70,925,500 $68,683,200 $2,242,300 $64,839,734
2 Victim witness assistance $21,541,800 $21,541,800 - $21,034,284
6 Vulnerable persons $82,182,300 $81,393,200 $789,100 $83,120,727
  Total operating expense to be voted $174,649,600 $171,618,200 $3,031,400 $168,994,745
  Total operating expense $174,649,600 $171,618,200 $3,031,400 $168,994,745

Operating assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
7 Law Society fee prepayment $1,000 $88,200 ($87,200) $87,294
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000 $88,200 ($87,200) $87,294
  Total operating assets $1,000 $88,200 ($87,200) $87,294

Capital expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
4 Victims and vulnerable persons $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - -
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $12,300 $15,700 ($3,400) $21,373
  Total statutory appropriations $12,300 $15,700 ($3,400) $21,373
  Total capital expense $13,300 $16,700 ($3,400) $21,373

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount
306-1 Victims' services    
  Salaries and wages   $7,300,700
  Employee benefits   $961,100
  Transportation and communication   $739,400
  Services   $4,542,700
  Supplies and equipment   $197,500
  Transfer payments    
  Drug treatment courts $1,000,000  
  Grants for partner assault response programs $10,590,700  
  Special Victims' Projects $9,507,000  
  Grants for sexual assault initiatives $14,049,300  
  Child Victims' Program $1,530,000  
  Specialized services $600,000  
  Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario $11,967,400  
  Supervised access $7,939,700 $57,184,100
  Total operating expense to be voted   $70,925,500
306-2 Victim witness assistance    
  Salaries and wages   $16,770,200
  Employee benefits   $2,615,900
  Transportation and communication   $1,000,000
  Services   $955,700
  Supplies and equipment   $200,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   $21,541,800
306-6 Vulnerable persons    
  Salaries and wages   $39,839,600
  Employee benefits   $4,937,800
  Transportation and communication   $1,407,100
  Services   $35,449,800
  Supplies and equipment   $623,000
  Subtotal   $82,257,300
  Less: recoveries   $75,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   $82,182,300
  Sub-items:    
  Children's lawyer    
  Salaries and wages $8,045,800  
  Employee benefits $995,700  
  Transportation and communication $240,800  
  Services $31,943,000  
  Supplies and equipment $153,000  
  Subtotal $41,378,300  
  Less: recoveries $75,000 $41,303,300
  Public guardian and trustee/accountant of the Ontario Court (general division)    
  Salaries and wages $31,793,800  
  Employee benefits $3,942,100  
  Transportation and communication $1,166,300  
  Services $3,506,800  
  Supplies and equipment $470,000 $40,879,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   $82,182,300
  Total operating expense for Victims and Vulnerable Persons Program   $174,649,600

Operating assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
306-7 Law Society fee prepayment  
  Deposits and prepaid expenses $1,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000
  Total operating assets for Victims and Vulnerable Persons Program $1,000

Capital expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
306-4 Victims and vulnerable persons  
  Other transactions $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000
  Statutory appropriations  
  Other transactions  
Statutory Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $12,300
  Total capital expense for Victims and Vulnerable Persons Program $13,300

Political Contribution tax credit - vote 307

The Political Contribution tax credit is a political contribution credit for contributions made to an Ontario party, constituency association or candidate registered under Ontario's Election Finances Act.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
1 Political contribution tax credit $5,652,400 $6,929,600 ($1,277,200) $13,456,500
  Total operating expense to be voted $5,652,400 $6,929,600 ($1,277,200) $13,456,500
  Total operating expense $5,652,400 $6,929,600 ($1,277,200) $13,456,500

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
307-1 Political contribution tax credit  
  Transfer payments  
  Political contribution tax credit $5,652,400
  Total operating expense to be voted $5,652,400
  Total operating expense for political contribution tax credit $5,652,400