McGuinty hints at pay freeze for public sector execs

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he wants executives in Ontario's broader public sector to "lead by example" when it comes to their high salaries.

He says executives who run the province's hospitals, colleges, universities, school boards and social services need to do their part to slay the deficit.

McGuinty suggested that the spring budget may demand a wage freeze from those executives as the governing Liberals struggle to eliminate the red ink by 2017-18.

The premier's remarks come one day before former TD Bank chief economist Don Drummondreleases his austerity blueprintfor the province.

McGuinty refused to elaborate on Drummond's 362 recommendations, but says some may be adopted while others will require modification or be rejected entirely.

Drummond's report does recommend axing full-day kindergarten, for example, but Finance Minister Dwight Duncan hasalready ruled that out.