Stan Cho resigns from Ontario cabinet after $16,203 hotel expense repayment
The Willowdale MPP and former tourism minister repaid taxpayer-funded downtown Toronto hotel expenses after the spending sparked public outcry. Premier Doug Ford accepted his resignation Friday.
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Stan Cho, Ontario's minister of tourism, culture and gaming, has resigned from cabinet after repaying $16,203 in taxpayer-funded Toronto hotel expenses claimed despite living roughly six kilometres from Queen's Park.
Premier Doug Ford accepted Cho's resignation Friday, saying the spending was "totally unacceptable" for an MPP who lives so close to the legislature. Cho will remain the Progressive Conservative MPP for Willowdale.
The Willowdale resident claimed the hotel stays under a legislative rule allowing local MPPs to seek reimbursement for downtown Toronto accommodation in "special or unusual circumstances" — such as severe weather or late-night legislative sittings. Although Cho's office maintained the claims complied with existing rules, Ford announced his government will move to eliminate the provision entirely. Government House Leader Steve Clark has written to the legislature's Board of Internal Economy seeking to remove the rule, and opposition parties have indicated support for ending the practice.
Cho's departure marks one of the highest-profile resignations from Ford's cabinet this term and comes as the Progressive Conservative government faces heightened scrutiny over ministers' spending and accountability.
The facts
How much did Stan Cho repay in hotel expenses?
$16,203 in taxpayer-funded Toronto hotel expenses was repaid by Stan Cho.
When did Premier Doug Ford accept Stan Cho's resignation?
Premier Doug Ford accepted Stan Cho's resignation on Friday, July 17, 2026.
What position did Stan Cho hold before resigning?
Stan Cho was Ontario's minister of tourism, culture and gaming before his resignation.
Will Stan Cho remain in the Ontario legislature after his resignation?
Yes, Stan Cho will remain the Progressive Conservative MPP for Willowdale despite resigning from cabinet.
