The Ontario Provincial Police are conducting an inquiry into Keel Digital Solutions, a company associated with the Skills Development Fund, following suspicions regarding payments it received from another government branch.
After a routine audit raised concerns in 2023, a forensic audit was carried out, revealing irregularities that prompted the government to involve the provincial police in the matter. Keel Digital Solutions maintains its compliance with all legal and contractual obligations and pledges full transparency and cooperation with the investigation.
The company, which receives funding for student mental health from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, has faced legislative scrutiny as a beneficiary of the Ministry of Labour’s contentious $2.5-billion Skills Development Fund. This scrutiny intensified as reports surfaced of a lobbyist for Keel Digital Solutions having a close relationship with Labour Minister David Piccini.
Opposition parties have criticized Piccini for his alleged involvement in selecting projects under the Skills Development Fund, particularly those with low rankings by bureaucrats, including Keel Digital Solutions. Liberal leader John Fraser questioned the government’s decision to continue providing funds to a company under audit, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in financial allocations.
As the investigation unfolds, details remain scarce, with the OPP yet to disclose the timeline or specifics of the probe.
Keyphrase: Ontario Provincial Police investigation