Ontario did not spend any funds from a new $2.7-billion COVID-19 response program in the first quarter, the province’s fiscal watchdog found, prompting critics to question why the government didn’t use the money during the third wave.

A Wednesday report from the Financial Accountability Office found health spending was $691 million lower than planned in the area of population and public health because the province didn’t spend funds from the pandemic program.

A spokeswoman for Health Minister Christine Elliott disputed the FAO finding that “no spending occurred” and noted that the $2.7 billion is allocated for the entire fiscal year. She said the program is used for COVID-19 response measures like testing and vaccine and case management.

GUEST: John Stapleton, Social Policy Researcher and Consultant