Ontario Premier faces allegations of using government leverage for political gain

The Ontario government is facing allegations that Premier Doug Ford’s office used its influence over a taxpayer-funded company to seek political advantages. According to a sworn statement submitted to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) by former Postmedia CEO Paul Godfrey, officials allegedly sought a “favour” from Postmedia in exchange for approving funding for Keel Digital Solutions.

Keel Digital Solutions, a mental health platform for post-secondary campuses, is currently involved in a $25.9 million legal battle with the province. The government alleges the company misled officials to secure additional funding, while the company, which is in receivership, has denied fraud and filed a $100 million countersuit. The allegations suggest that in early 2025, the Premier’s office used the prospect of a three-year funding agreement to influence Postmedia’s editorial stance ahead of a potential snap election.