Ontario Premier apologizes for MPPs' hotel expenses

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued an apology following revelations that several members of his cabinet and party claimed substantial hotel expenses for stays in downtown Toronto, even when living relatively close to the provincial legislature. The spending has drawn criticism and led to the resignation of one minister.

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

Stan Cho, the former minister of tourism, culture, and sport, claimed more than $16,000 in hotel expenses over a period of time, despite residing only six kilometers from Queen's Park. Three other Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) from the Peel Region, Charmaine Williams, Nina Tangri, and Hardeep Grewal, also claimed significant amounts, ranging from over $15,000 to over $27,000, for hotel stays in the city over three years. These MPPs represent ridings in Mississauga, which are between 35 and 45 kilometers from Queen's Park.

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

Premier Ford addressed the controversy, calling the spending "unacceptable" and stating that all involved MPPs are being required to repay the legislature. "I apologize for it even happening in the first place. It’s very frustrating … to say the least," Ford said Monday morning. He emphasized that the situation would be scrutinized to prevent recurrence.

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If you guys think for a second I’m happy about this, you’re wrong. It’s unacceptable. They’re all paying it back. As simple as that.

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford's leadership, suggesting he is responsible for the "culture in his party." Stiles accused Ford of enabling MPPs who "spent tens of thousands of tax dollars to fund their lavish lifestyle" and drew a parallel to a past proposal by Ford to acquire a private jet using public funds. Stan Cho had previously acknowledged his hotel spending as a "mistake" and stated he had repaid the full amount.

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Doug Ford sets the tone for his caucus. Clearly, MPPs who have spent tens of thousands of tax dollars to fund their lavish lifestyle continue to have his confidence, but what else can you expect from a Premier who tried to buy himself a private jet on the people’s dime?