Ontario minister to repay $16,000 in Toronto hotel expenses

Ontario Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho says he will personally reimburse more than $16,000 in Toronto hotel costs that he billed under the legislature’s special circumstances rules. Cho, who represents Willowdale in north Toronto, said the expenses met the criteria, but he did not provide a detailed explanation for the stays. Public disclosures show he charged about $1,400 in hotel accommodations in 202324, about $3,000 in 202425, and roughly $11,700 in 202526. The expenses drew criticism from opposition leaders, who argued the spending was unnecessary because Cho lives close to Queen’s Park and has access to a taxpayerfunded car and driver. The legislature’s rules say special circumstances can include situations such as severe weather, though no specific reason was given in this case.