Ontario’s top bureaucrat criticizes Doug Ford over Washington trip

Ontario’s top bureaucrat, Michelle DiEmanuele, has reprimanded PC Leader Doug Ford and his team for allegedly attempting to exploit his recent trip to Washington D.C. for the party’s benefit in the election campaign. Ford traveled to Washington on a two-day anti-tariff mission, with Ontario taxpayers covering the expenses of the meetings and events on the ground, while the PC Party paid for Ford’s travel and the campaign workers who accompanied him.

An email obtained by CBC News revealed that DiEmanuele instructed Ford’s top political adviser not to use video footage from the trip for campaign purposes. The email also highlighted that two PC Party campaign workers on the trip were incorrectly designated as government staff by Ford’s government office.

Last Friday, Ford’s social media accounts shared a video from the Washington trip, featuring meetings with U.S. business and political officials, with the PC Party logo and campaign slogan “Protect Ontario” at the end. However, the posts were later deleted and re-posted without the party branding.

In response to a complaint by Liberal candidate John Fraser, DiEmanuele’s email stated that she had requested Ford’s chief of staff to consult with the integrity commissioner on the appropriate use of government-related images during the election period. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that government resources are not used for partisan purposes.

Both DiEmanuele and integrity commissioner J. David Wake approved Ford’s trip to Washington, considering it urgent government business. However, the Liberals and NDP have raised concerns about potential ethical violations during the trip and have requested a review by the integrity commissioner.

PC campaign spokesperson Grace Lee defended the trip, stating that the party covered the expenses for campaign staff accompanying Ford as a precaution. In contrast, the Liberal campaign criticized Ford for disregarding rules and conventions, accusing him of seeking an unfair advantage in the election.

Fraser’s complaint alleged that the PC Party orchestrated a coordinated effort to misuse government resources for electoral gain. DiEmanuele’s response clarified that the support provided by public servants during the Washington trip was in line with the standard organizational and logistical assistance they offer on government missions.