Ontario Minister Stan Cho Resigns Amid Hotel Expense Scandal

Ontario Premier Doug Ford accepted the resignation of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho after it emerged that Cho had claimed about C$16,000 in hotel expenses in Toronto despite residing in the city. Cho said the expenses were for nights when the legislature sat late, repaid the money and stated, “Looking back now, I made a mistake.” He will remain the Member of Provincial Parliament for the Willowdale riding.

The resignation follows a broader controversy over a “special circumstances” rule that allowed several Progressive Conservative MPPs who live near Queen’s Park to expense hotel stays. Public records show other members – Hardeep Grewal (C$27,000), Nina Tangri (C$19,000) and Charmaine Williams (C$15,000) – faced similar scrutiny. Opposition leaders called the issue “the tip of the iceberg,” and Ford announced plans to eliminate the rule that permitted these reimbursements.

Ford labeled the expenses “totally unacceptable” and pledged tighter oversight of cabinet spending.