Ontario’s Progressive Conservative caucus is fractured over a hotel expense scandal involving Willowdale MPP Stan Cho, as members criticize both the spending and Premier Doug Ford’s handling of the fallout. Cho billed taxpayers more than $16,000 for Toronto hotel stays between 2023 and 2025—despite living six kilometres from Queen’s Park—under a now-canceled “special circumstance” allowance for Greater Toronto Area legislators.
MPP spending details spark internal backlash
According to expense records first reported by Global News, Cho’s claims over the three-year period included nearly $100,000 for food and beverages, $6,000 for airfare, $12,000 for additional hotel rooms, and $13,000 at sporting venues. Much of the spending was categorized as “meetings hosted.” Sources within the caucus described the hotel expenses as “hard to justify,” particularly given Cho’s proximity to the legislature.
The controversy intensified after the government abruptly eliminated the GTA hotel allowance, a benefit some MPPs viewed as legitimate. Others, however, directed frustration at Ford’s office for inconsistent messaging. While the premier publicly called the expenses a “mistake” and labeled similar spending “unacceptable,” internal emails revealed government officials had previously encouraged MPPs to book hotel rooms for potential night sittings.
Ford’s shifting response fuels caucus tensions
In October 2022, the government house leader and caucus whip’s office instructed PC MPPs to arrange Toronto accommodations for uncertain legislative schedules. “This information should be kept in the strictest of confidences,” one email stated. Legislative transcripts show over a dozen night sittings were scheduled but later canceled, leaving MPPs who followed instructions feeling scapegoated when Ford demanded repayment.
“They’re paying the money back,” Ford said in response to the scandal. “The party with the taxpayers’ dollars are over, believe me, nothing compared to previous governments.” The remarks contrasted with earlier government communications, deepening divisions within the caucus. The fallout follows other recent controversies, including Ford’s abandoned $28.9 million private jet purchase and the firing of the Ontario PC Party caucus chair over pension plan disputes.
Fundraising events canceled amid donor scrutiny
Some Progressive Conservative MPPs have postponed or canceled fundraisers, citing concerns over how donor funds would be perceived in light of Cho’s riding association expenses. The scandal’s ripple effects continue to unfold, with observers watching for potential policy changes or further leadership responses in the coming weeks.
