Ontario minister agrees to repay Toronto hotel expenses

Ontario Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho says he will repay more than $16,000 in hotel expenses he claimed for Toronto stays over the past three years, even though he lives in the city. The decision came after public criticism and follows an earlier statement from his office that said he would reimburse only part of the cost. According to legislative disclosure records, Cho billed the Ontario legislature for Toronto accommodation between 2023 and 2026, including a sharp increase in claims over the past year. The expenses were allowed only in special or unusual circumstances under assembly rules for Torontobased MPPs. Critics, including Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, questioned why the minister needed hotel stays when his home is close to Queen’s Park and he also has access to a government vehicle.