Premier’s mandate letter to minister doesn’t specifically address review of OSPCA

In the wake of a Global News investigation into the OSPCA, the minister in charge promised he would take a close look at the organization.

Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services David Orazietti told Global News he was aware of some concerns related to the OSPCA.

The OSPCA gets $5.5 million a year from the provincial government for animal cruelty investigations and enforcement.

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The agency’s investigators have what amounts to police powers, however the OSPCA Act provides almost no oversight.

When Global News brought up allegations of a lack of action by the OSPCA, and the CEO’s salary of close to $300,000, the minister said he expected to get direction from the premier.

“I think all of those things should be open for discussion related to the OSPCA and I want to see the mandate letter from the premier,” Orazietti said.

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“As soon as I have the opportunity to take a look at my mandate letter from the premier — the mandate letters will be out shortly — I believe there will be an opportunity to provide, to review the OSPCA in the province,” he said later.

“I’m prepared to look at it, but I have yet to receive my mandate letter from the premier,” Orazietti reiterated.

Mandate letters have now been sent to ministers.

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The one sent to Orazietti is three pages long and includes a dozen action items.

There is no specific reference to the OSPCA, but under the subtitle “Modernizing Public Safety” there is a related priority for the minister:

“Reviewing the current animal welfare framework and consider options for regulating exotic animals in the province,” it reads.

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Given that neither the OSPCA, nor the Act which governs it were mentioned, Global News reached out to the minister’s office for a response.

A statement was sent to Global News after the story was broadcast.

“I think the mandate letter demonstrates the priority the government is placing on updating our animal welfare laws in Ontario. It adds to what the Minister told you about his willingness to review the entirety of the animal welfare framework in Ontario. That includes reviewing the OSPCA Act and considering changes,” Yanni Dagonas, Orazietti’s senior advisor and press secretary, wrote.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think the mandate letter demonstrates the priority the government is placing on updating our animal welfare laws in Ontario. It adds to what the Minister told you about his willingness to review the entirety of the animal welfare framework in Ontario. That includes reviewing the OSPCA Act and considering changes," Yanni Dagonas, Orazietti's senior advisor and press secretary, wrote.