Ford government advised its MPPs they could use hotel benefit for night sittings

Ontario's Progressive Conservative caucus received government approval to use taxpayer-funded hotel rooms for night sittings, a move that directly conflicts with Premier Doug Ford's public condemnations of such expenses. Global News has learned that behind the scenes, the government advised its Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) that booking downtown Toronto hotels was an option when legislative sessions extended late.

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They’re all paying it back, and it’s unacceptable.

An email from the Progressive Conservative whip's office in late 2025 explicitly mentioned hotels as a choice for MPPs without Toronto accommodation allowances during days with night sittings. This guidance appears to have enabled MPPs to claim thousands of dollars in hotel expenses. The premier has since stated that all such expenses are unacceptable and are being repaid.

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For those Members with no Toronto Accommodation allowance, you may choose to book a hotel room downtown for the two days of night sittings.

Despite Ford's strong public stance, calling the expenses "unacceptable" and vowing a "microscope" on the issue, the government's internal direction facilitated these claims. Former tourism minister Stan Cho resigned after claiming $16,000 over three years, despite living only six kilometers from the legislature. Additionally, three MPPs from the Peel Region billed a combined $50,000 over two years.

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I apologize for it even happening in the first place. It’s very frustrating … to say the least. We’re going to make sure that we put a microscope on this and it won’t happen again.

The premier's office reiterated that "all MPPs will reimburse the legislature in full." The oversight of these expense categories falls under the Board of Internal Economy, a cross-party legislative body. The government had previously raised the issue of hotel expenses at the board in May 2024, proposing an update to the allowance system.

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The premier has been clear, all MPPs will reimburse the legislature in full.