Report on slashing Ontario deficit due Feb. 15

The long-awaited Drummond Commission report on reforming Ontario's government to trim a $16-billion deficit will be released Feb. 15.

Former TD Bank economist Don Drummond was hired by the Liberals to review all government programs and services and find ways of lowering costs.

Drummond told Premier Dalton McGuinty last fall that Ontario would have to cap the overall increase in government spending at one per cent a year until the deficit is eliminated in 2017-18.

The Liberals hope to cap the growth in health spending at three per cent, but it eats up 42 per cent of every dollar so that could mean cuts of up to 30 per cent in some ministries.

Drummond has also mused about eliminating OHIP coverage of some medical procedures and operations, and warned many of his several hundred recommendations will be unpopular.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says it's time for the Liberals to stop hiding behind Drummond and start taking real steps to reduce the size and cost of government.

Hudak wants a legislated public sector wage freeze to save money and says the government should also shut down local health integration networks and the Ontario Power Authority.