Stan Cho to repay $16K in Toronto hotel expenses after scrutiny over downtown stays

Stan Cho, Ontario's minister of tourism, culture and gaming and MPP for Willowdale, has promised to reimburse more than $16,000 in Toronto hotel expenses after criticism from opposition parties.

Cho claimed hotel accommodations multiple times since 2023, citing special circumstances under the legislature's rules. However, his home riding is located roughly 20 minutes from Queen's Park, raising questions about why downtown hotels were necessary.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles noted that residents can easily reach Willowdale via the subway from Queen's Park without a transfer. "You don't even have to change trains," Stiles said. "I don't understand it, and I think the people of Ontario deserve answers."

Interim Liberal leader John Fraser criticized what he called a broader culture of extravagant spending in Premier Doug Ford's government. "It's got kind of a luxury private jet vibe to it," Fraser said, referencing the $30-million plane the government purchased for the premier's use and then quickly returned.

Public expense disclosures show Cho expensed about $1,400 in Toronto accommodations in 2023-24, roughly $3,000 the following year, and about $11,700 in 2025-26. In his Tuesday statement, Cho said his expenses met the criteria for special circumstances but that he would personally reimburse the full amount. His office did not provide specific reasons for the expenses, though the legislature's website notes that a snowstorm is an example of an acceptable case for members living within 50 kilometres of Queen's Park.

Ford's office noted that Cho's statement stood as the government's response and offered no additional comment.