Ford removes Paul Godfrey from Order of Ontario council over false claims

The Ford government has removed Paul Godfrey from the Order of Ontario Advisory Council, citing "false public claims" and conflict of interest.

Godfrey, the former CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays and retired chair of Postmedia, was appointed to the unpaid advisory council by Ford in October 2024 with a three-year term. He had 12 months remaining when the removal was announced Friday afternoon by Jaskarn Kailey, a spokesperson for Citizenship and Multiculturalism Minister Graham McGregor.

The dismissal follows Godfrey's public allegations that Ford's office used his son Rob Godfrey's government contract as "political leverage" to pressure Postmedia into publishing the premier's pre-election column in 2025. Godfrey signed a sworn statement under penalty of perjury making the allegation, which became public this week.

"Many months ago, I signed a sworn statement under penalty of perjury that was made public this week. I stand by that statement," Godfrey said in a statement. "I am sure there will be more to say in the coming days and week."

Ford's office called the allegation "categorically untrue and completely disconnected from reality." Godfrey responded by calling the government's statement "laughable."

Postmedia said publishing the premier's op-ed required no special consideration. Rob Godfrey, when reached, said he had just learned of his father's removal and was still absorbing the news. "At this point, I don't have anything to say," he told reporters.

The controversy is linked to a separate investigation. Ontario Provincial Police launched a probe into Keel Digital Solutions, a mental health solutions firm chaired by Rob Godfrey, in December, connected to an inquiry into the Skills Development Fund. In January, the Ontario government filed a lawsuit against Keel Digital seeking to recoup more than $25 million in public money.