Political staff in Premier Doug Ford’s government have been told to prepare for “caretaker mode” as the Progressive Conservative party appears ready to flip the switch on an imminent early election call.
An internal memo, sent by Ford’s Chief of Staff Patrick Sackville on Wednesday, indicated that the premier’s office has already consulted with Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner related to the government’s “responsibilities during a writ,” as the PC party prepares to dissolve the legislature.
Sackville also instructed staff on what a slimmed-down ministry should look like when the government’s decision making authority is temporarily paused, and provincial responsibilities are handed over to the civil service during the election period.
“A number of you have asked about caretaker provisions and responsibilities should there be a provincial election,” Sackville wrote in the email, moments after canceling a meeting with all-government chiefs of staff.
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“Your Minister’s Office caretaker team should be at least one person and no greater than …