This audit opens the door for our products that have longer shelf life and better defense. Hospitals outsource to buy their masks. Only 2% are bought through the Ontario government. N95 masks are not the choice for a hospital environment. surgical masks are the goto choice.
?? What the Auditor General Can Do
• Identify problems: The Auditor General highlights waste, inefficiency, or risks — in this case, Ontario committing to long-term PPE contracts that may no longer make sense.
• Recommend changes: The audit can recommend that the government renegotiate, reconsider, or improve procurement practices.
• Apply pressure: Because the Auditor General is independent and reports publicly to the Legislature, their findings often create political and public pressure for change.
?? What the Auditor General Cannot Do
• Cancel contracts directly: The Auditor General has no legal authority to break or void contracts.
• Force government action: Implementation is up to the Ontario government (ministries, Supply Ontario, Cabinet).
?? What Could Happen Next
• Renegotiation: If the audit shows Ontario is locked into bad deals, the government could try to renegotiate terms with suppliers.
• Termination clauses: Some contracts may have exit clauses (e.g., for non-performance or force majeure). If those exist, Ontario could invoke them.
• Political decision: Ultimately, it’s up to the provincial Cabinet and Supply Ontario to decide whether to absorb losses, renegotiate, or continue.
• Legislative oversight: The Legislature’s Public Accounts Committee can hold hearings and push ministries to act on the Auditor’s recommendations.
? Bottom Line
The audit cannot itself break contracts — it shines a spotlight on the issue. The Ontario government has to decide whether to renegotiate or terminate contracts, and that depends on the legal terms of those agreements and the political will to act.
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