Risk Management
The Province employs various risk management strategies and operates within strict risk exposure limits to ensure exposure to risk is managed in a prudent and cost-effective manner. A variety of strategies are used, including the use of derivative financial instruments (“derivatives”). Risk exposures are monitored daily and audited annually. The cost-effectiveness of borrowing and debt management programs are measured daily, while the effectiveness of the money market program is measured monthly against pre-established benchmarks.
The table below details the limits and strategies employed to ensure that market, credit and liquidity risks are managed in a sound and cost-effective manner.
Risk Management Limits and Strategies (Excludes OEFC Debt)
| Risk | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Exchange Risk | As per the Market Risk Policy, currency exposure on debt principal cannot exceed 3 per cent of debt. | Net foreign exchange exposure was 0.14 per cent of debt as at July 31, 2024. Foreign exchange exposure has remained within approved limits during the fiscal year. |
| Interest Rate Resetting Risk | This measure limits interest rate resetting risk arising from net floating rate exposure and fixed-rate debt maturing within a 12-month period, to no more than 35 per cent of debt. | The percentage of interest rate resetting exposure (net of liquid reserves) was 5.7 per cent of debt as at July 31, 2024. Net interest rate resetting exposure has remained within approved limits during the fiscal year. |
| Debt Maturities and Refinancing Risk | Term selection for new borrowing will be aimed for a smooth maturity schedule to diversify the interest resetting risk of refinancing debt maturities. | Debt maturities are estimated at $28.0 billion for 2023–24. |
| Credit Risk | Credit risk is managed by dealing only with highly rated counterparties and enforcing strict credit limits.
Ontario has CSA agreements in place to mitigate credit exposure with all active counterparties.
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As at June 30, 2024, 99 per cent of Ontario’s credit exposure was to counterparties that are rated AA– or better. |
| Liquidity Risk | Liquidity risk is controlled through the management of liquid reserve levels and short-term borrowing programs. | The average liquid reserve level for 2023–24 was $46.9 billion. The Province’s Treasury Bill and U.S. Commercial Paper programs have authorized limits of $46.0 billion and $15.0 billion, respectively. |
Capital Adequacy
Province of Ontario bonds receive a zero per cent risk weighting in Canada under section 3.1.3, article 10 (I) of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions’ (OSFI) Capital Adequacy Requirements Guideline.
Ontario Bonds also qualify as Level 1 assets under section 2, article 43 C of OSFI’s Liquidity Adequacy Requirements Guideline.
