Premier Doug Ford of Ontario has responded to ongoing controversy surrounding hotel expense claims by members of his provincial legislature.The scandal involves multiple Progressive Conservative MPPs who billed taxpayers for stays at downtown Toronto hotels despite living within 50 kilometers of Queen’s Park.

The NDP revealed that 20 PC MPPs collectively charged over $120,000 for hotel stays over several years, including two cabinet ministers and a parliamentary assistant who billed $50,000 between them.Ford’s government claims these expenses were reimbursed, but no evidence was provided.Ford defended his administration, stating that only expenses incurred when the legislature was not in session would need to be repaid.Opposition parties criticized the policy, arguing most MPPs are prepared for overnight sessions with makeshift accommodations.

The Ford government is seeking support from opposition parties to eliminate the expense policy, with Liberal MPP Stephanie Bowman offering conditional support if full expense transparency is provided.The controversy highlights tensions between legislative accountability and political spending practices in Ontario.