STILES: Ford leaves Ontarians footing the bill for Labour Minister's Skills Development Fund scandal

QUEEN’S PARK — In the wake of news that the Ford government has filed a $25 million lawsuit against Keel Digital Solutions, a recipient of Skills Development Funds personally chosen by scandal-ridden Labour Minister David Piccini, Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles has issued the following statement:

“Doug Ford’s Minister of Labour bragged about hand-picking Keel Digital Solutions to receive public money over other, higher-scoring applications. Then, his government triggered a forensic audit of that same company, leading to an OPP investigation, before finally suing them for fraud.

“Doling out millions of taxpayer dollars to such a shady company can only be explained by preferential treatment. Remember; Minister Piccini partied in Paris at Keel lobbyist Michael Rudderham’s wedding, and enjoyed rinkside hockey seats with their executive Peter Zackarow.

“Rather than take accountability for this mess, Ford is once again going to court to cover his tracks, and it's Ontario taxpayers left footing the bill. He has ignored my calls to remove this Minister for too long already; it’s time for the Premier to do the right thing and fire him.”