Ontario PC MPPs' $120K hotel expense scandal triggers rule change proposal

Three Progressive Conservative members of the Ontario legislature – Charmaine Williams, Hardeep Grewal and Nina Tangri – together with tourism minister Stan Cho have claimed more than C$120,000 in hotel expenses in Toronto despite living within 50 km of Queen’s Park. The expenses, billed to taxpayers under the “special circumstances” rule that normally covers emergencies such as severe weather, were criticised by opposition leaders as an abuse of public funds.

In response, the Ford government moved to eliminate the reimbursement provision for local members, proposing a motion to end the “special circumstances” hotel allowance. Opposition leader Marit Stiles said she would support the motion, calling the claims “outrageous” and demanding full repayment. The proposed change would restrict expense reimbursements to members who live more than 50 km from the legislature or who face genuine emergencies.