‘They’re paying back the money’: Ford breaks silence on hotel expense scandal

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stated that hotel expenses claimed by his Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) will be paid back to taxpayers, albeit with certain conditions. The controversy erupted after reports surfaced detailing how several Progressive Conservative MPPs, who live within driving distance of Queen's Park, had submitted expenses for hotel stays under a "special circumstance" designation.

Ford, speaking briefly to reporters, defended his government by claiming the situation is "nothing compared to previous governments." He also reiterated his 2018 election promise that "the party with the taxpayers’ dollars are over." However, the recent revelations have led to public backlash, with critics questioning the necessity of these expenses.

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The party with the taxpayers’ dollars are over, believe me.

Global News initially reported on Tourism Minister Stan Cho, who lives less than six kilometers from Queen's Park, billing taxpayers over $16,000 for Toronto hotel stays across three years. While the government claimed Cho repaid the full amount after the story broke, no evidence was provided. Subsequently, the Ontario NDP revealed that 20 PC MPPs collectively charged taxpayers $120,000 over several years for downtown Toronto hotel rooms, even though they resided within 50 kilometers of the legislature.

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If we were sitting, that’s one thing. But anything else they’re paying back … I have zero tolerance for that.

Ford's office clarified that while the legislature approved these expense requests, any stay that "did not meet the intent of the rules will be reimbursed to the Legislature in full." Ford further specified that only expenses incurred when the legislature was not in session would need to be repaid, stating, "If we were sitting, that’s one thing. But anything else they’re paying back… I have zero tolerance for that."

Opposition parties have dismissed this explanation. NDP Leader Marit Stiles noted that many MPPs are prepared for late-night sittings, even sleeping in their offices. "I had sheets in my office… I’ve slept on that couch a few times," she said, implying that the claimed expenses for special circumstances were unnecessary.

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I had sheets in my office … I’ve slept on that couch a few times. And that’s what a lot of MPPs do if there’s a big night sitting.