Ontario Premier Doug Ford billed taxpayers for a flight to Orlando, Florida, to attend the LiUNA International Leadership Conference, a trip that cost $11,709.85. The conference, held at the Walt Disney Beach Club Resort, was attended by Ford, Labour Minister David Piccini, and two staffers in July 2025.

Conference Attendance and Expenses

Ford and Piccini listed the reason for the trip as a "ministry-related international mission," but social media videos show them attending the LiUNA conference, where Ford gave a keynote address. The premier's expenses included $1,464.10 in airfare and $1,498.09 for accommodation, while his executive assistant charged $2,962.19 for the trip.

Piccini billed $2,662.18 for the flight and hotels, and a Ministry of Labour staffer booked $3,123.29 in travel and accommodation costs. The government has not clarified why the trip was categorized as an "international mission" or why it was considered a legitimate government expense.

LiUNA Conference and Union Ties

The LiUNA conference is a significant event for the labour union, which has repeatedly endorsed the Progressive Conservative Party and received millions in government funding. Ford has deepened ties with the union, and his attendance at the conference has sparked questions about the relationship between the government and LiUNA.

Victoria Mancinelli, a representative of LiUNA's Canadian arm, defended Ford's travel choices, saying he flew commercial and was greeted by families at Toronto Pearson International Airport. However, interim Liberal Leader John Fraser questioned the need for the trip, suggesting it reflects a larger change in the government's attitude after the 2025 election.

Government Response and Controversy

The government's critics argue that while Ford may have a legitimate reason for speaking at the conference, the trip is unlikely to sit well with taxpayers. The Premier's Office said Ford was invited to the conference and travelled to provide support to the Minister and the Premier at the Labourers' International Union of North America International Leadership Summit.

As the controversy surrounding the trip continues, readers should watch for further developments and explanations from the government on the expenses and the purpose of the trip. The incident has sparked questions about government transparency and accountability, and the opposition is likely to continue to scrutinize the government's actions.

  • $11,709.85: total cost of the trip to Florida
  • $1,464.10: Ford's airfare expenses
  • $1,498.09: Ford's accommodation expenses
  • 130,000: number of workers represented by LiUNA in Ontario