Even after stepping down from the top role, Kenneth Hartwick remains Ontario’s highest-paid public servant. In 2025, the former Ontario Power Generation (OPG) CEO earned a staggering $1.9 million, exceeding the salary of his successor, Nicolle Butcher.
Hartwick’s substantial income, coupled with $3,582.20 in taxable benefits, stems from his current position as a “special advisor” to the crown corporation responsible for generating half of the province’s electricity. This highlights the continued financial recognition of his expertise even after relinquishing the CEO title.
The province released its annual Sunshine List, revealing a significant increase in the number of public sector employees earning over $100,000. A total of 404,922 names appeared on the 2025 list, a nearly 7% jump from the previous year.
Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney attributed the salary increases to a unique combination of factors, including retroactive payments, collective bargaining agreements, and an extra pay period for many organizations. These elements contributed to a broader trend of rising public sector compensation.
Despite ongoing debate about the relevance of the Sunshine List in today’s economic climate, the data reveals a growing prevalence of six-figure salaries within the public sector. When adjusted for inflation, $100,000 in 1996—the list’s inception—equates to approximately $188,309 today.
A significant portion of the list’s growth is attributed to municipal employees, particularly those in local police and fire services. These frontline workers continue to play a vital role in protecting Ontario communities, and their compensation reflects that responsibility.
Beyond OPG, executives in the healthcare sector also dominate the upper echelons of the list. Leaders from University Health Network, SickKids, and Hamilton Health Sciences all earned substantial salaries, reflecting the complexities and demands of managing major healthcare institutions.
The list also sheds light on compensation within the education system. A teacher from the Toronto District School Board, Gorian Surlan, earned $256,899.29, a figure influenced by a successful arbitration ruling that awarded him two years of back pay following a controversial incident.
Across all Ontario school boards, 112,654 employees surpassed the $100,000 threshold, with the Toronto District School Board accounting for the largest share. Former TDSB director Clayton La Touche also appeared prominently, earning $304,894.41.
Higher education also features prominently, with professors at Western University and the University of Toronto leading the pack. Dean Julian Birkinshaw of the Ivey Business School at Western University earned $656,639.96, while chemistry professor Alan Aspuru-Guzik at the University of Toronto earned $649,992.85.
Municipal politicians also appear on the list, with Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti earning the highest salary among them at $308,179.23. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and other major city mayors also earned six-figure incomes.
Law enforcement leaders also command significant salaries, with Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah earning $604,449.04. Several deputy chiefs and constables from Toronto and other forces also made the list, reflecting the demands and responsibilities of policing.
Notable figures beyond these sectors also appear, including Premier Doug Ford, NDP Leader Marit Stiles, and Auditor General Shelley Spence. The list provides a comprehensive snapshot of public sector compensation across a wide range of organizations and roles.
