Where the government cuts were made
Decreased spending
In 10 years, the provincial government's total spending on the environment fell by almost two thirds.
From '94 to '98 (inclusive) environment and energy were merged into one ministry. The ministry has separated energy spending here, and provided approximate dollars allocated for operating and capital expenditures for environment in these years.
Staff cuts
The environment ministry employs 41 per cent fewer people today than it did 1994/'95 and when the contract and temporary job assignments are considered, that number jumps to 58 per cent.
Water inspections
The number of the province's 630 water treatment plants that are inspected annually has gone down substantially since 1993. Total water treatment plants: 630
Toronto star Graphic. Source: Government of Ontario. Toronto Star, 8 July 2000