Ontario’s integrity commissioner is looking into claims that a Brampton MPP used taxpayer money to buy ads in a newspaper operated by a close family member.
reported on Monday that Progressive Conservative MPP Hardeep Grewal from Brampton East is facing accusations of using public funds to advertise in a paper allegedly managed by his father.
The accusations come as the PC party faces criticism after several MPPs were found to have charged thousands of dollars for hotel stays in Toronto over the last three years – including Grewal, who spent more than $27,000 while living in Brampton.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles mentioned she filed a complaint with the integrity commissioner on Monday, asking for a look into Grewal’s “clear pattern” of placing ads in the publication.
Residents should know if Grewal’s family members are “benefiting from tax dollars,” Stiles stated. She also questioned the “tone” Premier Doug Ford has established for his caucus.
“Clearly, MPPs who have spent tens of thousands of tax dollars to fund their lavish lifestyle continue to have his confidence, but what else can you expect from a premier who tried to buy himself a private jet on the people’s dime?” she said.
WATCH | Review comes as some PC party MPPs under fire for expensing Toronto hotel stays:
MPP Stan Cho resigns after $16K Toronto hotel expense controversy
Ontario’s Tourism Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho has stepped down from cabinet following backlash over claiming $16,000 in Toronto hotel expenses despite residing in the city. CBC’s Lane Harrison breaks down the controversy.
Grewal stated in a press release on Monday that the newspaper, the Punjabi Post, “is a popular ethnic news outlet in Brampton” where multiple political parties have advertised.
“Before advertising, I should have consulted with the integrity commissioner and have since reached out to her office for advice,” he said.
Juliet Kadzviti, spokesperson for the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario, noted there were no further details available while this matter is being reviewed.
This past Friday, MPP Stan Cho from Willowdale resigned from cabinet after coming under fire for spending $16,000 on hotel stays in Toronto while living there.
Ford spoke at an unrelated news conference Friday and called these hotel expenses by his caucus “totally unacceptable,” adding he’s instructed “every single person” to reimburse that spending.
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