Ford cuts $1M from premier's office, urges comparable savings across government
Premier Doug Ford has reduced staff and implemented a hiring freeze, cutting the premier's office headcount to 10 people following expense criticism.
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Premier Doug Ford has cut more than $1 million in spending from his office and implemented a hiring freeze, following public scrutiny over MPP expense claims.
Ford's chief of staff Travis Kann outlined the cuts in a memo to other Queen's Park chiefs of staff Thursday. The premier's office headcount has been reduced to 10 people, saving approximately $1,074,500. Kann said the savings came through relocating personnel within the office or across government, as well as "saying goodbye to colleagues."
The memo encouraged other ministers' offices to find comparable savings. Ford confirmed the news at a press conference in Windsor Thursday, saying the government "must lead by example."
The cuts follow criticism after several Toronto-area MPPs were found to have billed taxpayers thousands for Toronto hotel stays despite living within 50 kilometres of Queen's Park. Tourism Minister Stan Cho racked up over $16,000; Hardeep Grewal billed more than $27,000; Nina Tangri expensed nearly $19,000; and Charmaine Williams claimed over $15,000. All have promised reimbursement. Government House Leader Steve Clark intends to eliminate the rule permitting such expenses in extenuating circumstances.
The facts
How much did Premier Ford cut from his office?
Premier Doug Ford cut more than $1 million in spending from his office, with the premier's office headcount reduced to 10 people, saving approximately $1,074,500.
What triggered the spending cuts?
The cuts followed public criticism after several Toronto-area MPPs were found to have billed taxpayers thousands for hotel stays despite living within 50 kilometres of Queen's Park.
How much did Tourism Minister Stan Cho expense in hotel stays?
Tourism Minister Stan Cho billed taxpayers over $16,000 for Toronto hotel stays and has promised reimbursement.
