Toronto, Ontario – Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the resignation of Stan Cho from the provincial cabinet on Friday, following scrutiny over his hotel expenses in Toronto while Cho reportedly resides in the city. Cho had been serving as the minister of tourism, culture and gaming, a portfolio he held before stepping down.
Ford stated that he accepted Cho’s resignation, signaling the decision to address the controversy surrounding the hotel stays that appeared inconsistent with the minister’s residence. The premier’s office did not disclose additional details about the expenses or any potential investigations, but emphasized a commitment to transparency within the cabinet.
Cho, who represents a riding in Ontario, had previously held the role of associate minister of transportation before being appointed to tourism, culture and gaming. The resignation marks a notable personnel change for the Ford government, which has faced ongoing scrutiny over spending and ethical expectations for elected officials and ministers.
Reaction from opposition parties was cautious, with calls for thorough disclosure and accountability regarding ministerial expense claims. Analysts expect parties to continue pressing for clarity on how cabinet members manage accommodation costs and what standards apply to living arrangements for ministers who maintain residences outside their riding or the capital region.
As of the announcement, there was no immediate replacement named for Cho, and the government indicated it would appoint a new minister to handle the tourism, culture and gaming portfolio in due course. The development comes as Ontario continues to navigate policy debates across economic recovery, tourism promotion, and cultural funding in the post-pandemic period.