Brampton MPP faces ethics complaint over taxpayer-funded ads in father's newspaper
NDP leader Marit Stiles filed a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner over Hardeep Grewal's advertising spending in the Punjabi Post, which is owned by his father.
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Hardeep Grewal, the Brampton East MPP, faces an ethics investigation following allegations that he placed approximately $30,000 in taxpayer-funded advertisements in the Punjabi Post, a community newspaper run by his father.
NDP leader Marit Stiles filed the complaint with the Integrity Commissioner, arguing that if Grewal's family members are benefiting from tax dollars, "the people deserve to know." Stiles also highlighted that Grewal billed thousands in hotel stays despite residing within commuting distance of Queen's Park.
Grewal acknowledged in a statement that the Punjabi Post "is a popular ethnic news outlet in Brampton—a community with a large Punjabi speaking population" and that political parties of all stripes have advertised with the publication. However, he said he should have sought permission from the integrity commissioner before placing the advertisements.
The complaint comes amid broader scrutiny of Conservative MPP expenses, including those of former minister Stan Cho, who resigned last week over hotel and other spending allegations.
At a glance
What is the ethics complaint against Hardeep Grewal about?
Brampton East MPP Hardeep Grewal placed approximately $30,000 in taxpayer-funded advertisements in the Punjabi Post, a community newspaper owned by his father.
Who filed the complaint with the Integrity Commissioner?
NDP leader Marit Stiles filed the complaint, arguing that taxpayers deserve to know if Grewal's family members are benefiting from public funds.
