Ontario's 2025 Sunshine List Revealed: Top Earners, Trends, and Public Sector Impact

Ontario has recently published its 2025 Sunshine List, which highlights public sector employees earning salaries exceeding $100,000. Kenneth Hartwick, the former President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation, leads the list with a salary of over $1.9 million. The top five positions on the list are occupied by employees of the electricity Crown corporation, with most earning over $1 million annually. Last year, Hartwick also secured the top spot with a salary slightly above $2 million.
Kevin Smith, the President and CEO of the University Health Network, ranked sixth on the list, earning $939,603 last year. Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney mentioned that factors like retroactive payments and collective bargaining outcomes influenced salary increases. She highlighted that municipalities, including local police and fire services, contributed to over 50% of the list's growth, emphasizing the essential role they play in safeguarding Ontario communities.
The majority of the Sunshine List comprises public service organizations such as school boards, hospitals, and public boards of health, with a significant portion consisting of nurses and teachers. The list reflects the dedication and hard work of these professionals in serving the community. The release of the Sunshine List sparks discussions and reflections on public sector salaries and the contributions of various sectors to Ontario's well-being.
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