An Ontario cabinet minister representing a north Toronto riding has committed to reimbursing over $16,000 in Toronto hotel expenses following scrutiny over the claimed accommodations.
Stan Cho, who holds the position of minister of tourism, culture, and gaming and represents Willowdale, explained that he had utilized hotel stays due to what he described as special circumstances since 2023.
The expenses, which came to light through a report by Global News, sparked concerns from opposition parties, labeling it as an inappropriate use of public funds.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles questioned the necessity of the hotel stays, highlighting the accessibility of public transportation for the minister’s commute back to Willowdale.
Interim Liberal leader John Fraser criticized a perceived pattern of excessive spending within Premier Doug Ford’s government, drawing parallels to the controversial purchase and subsequent return of a $30 million private plane.
In response, Cho acknowledged that his expenses aligned with the legislature’s guidelines for special circumstances but pledged to repay the full amount without providing specific details on the reasons behind the expenditures.
According to public records, Cho expensed approximately $1,400 for Toronto accommodations in 2023-24, around $3,000 the following year, and roughly $11,700 in 2025-26.
While Ford’s office refrained from additional comments, Cho’s announcement of reimbursement was stated as the official government response.
Cho, who began his term in 2018 and has held various ministerial roles, including associate minister of transportation and minister of long-term care, remains under scrutiny for the claimed expenses.