The belts are being tightened at Queen’s Park.Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives are reviewing the future funding of a slew of government programs — including the Indigenous Culture Fund that was the province’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.The fund, which supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis community-based cultural projects, was part of $250 million in programs the former Liberal government announced after the searing 2015 examination of residential schools.“Our government is reviewing the Indigenous Culture Fund (ICF) to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and efficiently. Individuals who have already received grants through the ICF will not be affected during this review,” the government said in a statement Friday.Sources told the Star the government is also slashing $15 million from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s $120 million budget, which annually helps 700 community programs across the province.At the same time, the Tories are melding the environment and land tribunals, the social justice tribunals and the safety, licensing appeals and standards tribunals “into a single cluster named Tribunals Ontario,” according to an internal Ministry of the Attorney General memo.Read more: Opinion | What is the Ford Nation plan for First Nations?Schism within government on how to deal with the Ontario Medical Association puts premier and health minister at oddsOntario’s fiscal watchdog says deficit is $1.2 billion lower than claimed, but warns of huge future shortfalls“This change represents the first phase of the government’s review of tribunals accountable to the Ministry of the Attorney General to ensure that programs are effective, affordable and sustainable,” the memo said.“It is intended to promote consistency in tribunal practices, procedures, decision-making and dispute resolution, while also providing a simplified ...
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