Ontario’s 2025 Sunshine List reveals over 400,000 public employees earning more than $100,000 annually, with salary increases reported for Premier Doug Ford and his staff, including his daughter, Kara Ford.
Key Takeaways
- Over 404,922 public employees in Ontario earned over $100,000 in 2025.
- Premier Doug Ford’s salary increased from $208,974 to $269,567.
- Kara Ford, Premier Ford’s daughter, received a 33.9% salary increase to $211,468.
Sunshine List Details
The province’s latest Sunshine List shows that 404,922 public sector employees earned over $100,000 in 2025, an increase from 377,881 in 2024. The combined salaries of the top 50 earners totaled $8.1 million.
Political Salaries
Premier Doug Ford’s salary rose to $269,567 in 2025, up from $208,974 the previous year. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was the second highest-paid mayor in the province, earning $240,349, while Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti earned $308,179.
Raises and Explanations
Caroline Mulroney, Ontario’s President of the Treasury Board, attributed the salary increases to “unique factors,” including collective bargaining agreements, additional pay periods, and retroactive payments. She noted that over half of the growth in the list was driven by municipalities, including police and fire services, and that the majority of those listed work in public service organizations like school boards, hospitals, and public health boards.
Concerns Over Kara Ford’s Salary
The salary of Kara Ford, the premier’s daughter and Director, Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement at Runnymede Healthcare Centre, drew significant online attention. Her salary increased by 33.9% in one year, from $157,884 to $211,468. This follows a 19% increase in 2024, when her salary rose from $132,702 to $157,884, and a prior salary of $128,052 in 2023 when she was a Manager, Public Affairs.
Online Reaction
Social media users expressed surprise and concern over the increases to Kara Ford’s salary, with some raising questions about potential nepotism. Comments included comparisons to their own salaries and frustrations over public sector wage increases.
Runnymede Healthcare Centre and Kara Ford did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.
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