FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
19 December 2025
QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth, Critic for Ethics, Integrity & Accountability, says the Integrity Commissioner’s investigation marks a major turning point in exposing the Ford government’s handling of the Skills Development Fund.
“The people of Ontario deserve the truth. They can handle the truth,” said Smyth. “What we know so far is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Ontario Liberals requested the investigation in October, nearly a month before any other party made a similar request, after mounting concerns that the fund was being administered without fairness, transparency, or accountability — findings confirmed by the Auditor General.
“The rot runs deep in the Ford government, and all roads lead to the Premier’s Office,” Smyth said. “We must restore integrity to Queen’s Park.”
“We hope the Integrity Commissioner will examine potential conflicts of interest, donor influence, insider access, and any improper influence as it relates to Minister Piccini and the Skills Development Fund.”
“Workers shouldn’t be at the back of the line behind strip club owners, the Ford family dentist, and disgraced CEOs,” Smyth said. “That’s not how public money is supposed to work.”
“If the Premier won’t fire David Piccini, the Minister must step aside,” Smyth added. “This investigation must be allowed to run its course and — because what we’ve seen so far is only the beginning.”