Stan Cho steps down from Ontario cabinet after hotel billing controversy
Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho resigned Friday after being under fire for billing taxpayers more than $16,000 in Toronto hotel expenses since 2023.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stan Cho resigned as Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister on Friday, effective immediately, after facing scrutiny over more than $16,000 in Toronto hotel expenses claimed since 2023.
Premier Doug Ford announced the resignation, saying Cho "has acknowledged and taken responsibility for his mistake." Cho said in a statement Friday that he had reviewed every claim and repaid all expenses in full.
"I made a mistake," Cho said. "I am taking full responsibility, as I do not want to be a distraction from our plan to grow the economy, keep families safe, and build this province."
Cho, the MPP for Willowdale, billed accommodation expenses on nights the legislature sat late. His riding is much closer to Queen's Park than other top spenders under the special circumstances rule.
MPP Doug Downey will assume Cho's cabinet responsibilities. The government announced Wednesday it intends to eliminate the rule that allows members living within 50 kilometres of Queen's Park to expense hotel stays in extenuating circumstances like snowstorms.
The facts
How much did Stan Cho bill taxpayers for Toronto hotel expenses?
Stan Cho billed more than $16,000 in Toronto hotel expenses since 2023.
When did Stan Cho resign?
Stan Cho resigned as Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister on Friday, July 17, 2026, effective immediately.
Who is replacing Stan Cho in cabinet?
MPP Doug Downey will assume Stan Cho's cabinet responsibilities.
What rule is the government planning to eliminate?
The Ontario government announced Wednesday, July 15, 2026 that it intends to eliminate the rule allowing members living within 50 kilometres of Queen's Park to expense hotel stays in extenuating circumstances like snowstorms.
