Ontario Tourism Minister to Repay $16,000 in Hotel Expenses
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Stan Cho will reimburse taxpayers for city accommodations claimed under 'special circumstances' despite representing a Toronto riding.
Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho has pledged to reimburse taxpayers more than $16,000 for hotel expenses incurred in Toronto, according to reporting from CityNews Toronto and CBC Toronto.
Cho, who represents the Willowdale riding, claimed the costs under "special circumstances" allowed by legislature rules for members living within 50 kilometres of Queen's Park. While the legislature's website cites snowstorms as an example of such circumstances, Cho's office has not provided specific reasons for the claims. Public expense disclosures detail the spending as follows:
* **2023-24:** Approximately $1,400 * **2024-25:** Approximately $3,000 * **2025-26:** Approximately $11,700
The expenses, first reported by Global News, drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. NDP Leader Marit Stiles questioned the need for the spending, noting that Cho has a taxpayer-funded driver and can travel from Willowdale to Queen's Park via subway without changing trains. Interim Liberal leader John Fraser described a "normalized" culture of extravagant spending under Premier Doug Ford, citing a $30 million plane previously purchased and returned by the government.
In a statement released Tuesday, Cho maintained that the expenses met legislative criteria but confirmed he will personally reimburse the full amount. Premier Doug Ford's office declined to add further comment, stating that Cho's statement served as the government's response.