- The PC Party's 2023 annual financial statement shows expenses of $1,000.05 at the Ocean Eden Bay and $1,971.67 at the Royalton Negril Hotel, both resorts in Jamaica.
- Allegations have emerged that the party funded a trip to Jamaica to follow Bonnie Crombie.
- Doug Ford stated he was unaware of the trip and did not approve it, addressing the party after hearing the claims.
- At a news conference, Ford remarked that 'Things happen' in politics and expressed hope that such tactics would not continue.
- NDP Leader Marit Stiles condemned the alleged spying as 'disgusting' and likened it to 'creepy Trump-style politics.'
- Bonnie Crombie asserted that 'Heads need to roll' and that someone in the party had to sign off on the expense.
- John Fraser, interim Leader of the Ontario Liberals, described the situation as 'creepy, disturbing behavior' and a complete abuse of power.
- Ford mentioned, 'I don't watch every single dollar' during campaigns, indicating he relies on his team for financial oversight.
- He also stated, 'Let's just have fair and balanced elections', acknowledging that 'Stuff happens during elections.'
- Fraser criticized the use of public funds for political surveillance, calling it an 'extraordinary abuse of public money.'
- Fraser raised concerns about the implications of such actions, questioning how far Doug Ford is willing to go to target political opponents.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has come under fire after revelations that his Progressive Conservative Party allegedly spent nearly $3,000 to surveil former Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie during her vacation in Jamaica.378
The alleged surveillance occurred shortly after Crombie's leadership victory in December 2023, with expenses reported at two five-star resorts: Ocean Eden Bay and Royalton Negril.
Ford stated, "I don't watch every single dollar when I'm in the middle of a campaign," emphasizing his reliance on his team for financial oversight. He condemned the alleged spying, asserting, "Things happen" in politics, but added, "I hope not" when asked if such tactics would continue.
Crombie confirmed her vacation but refrained from commenting further, while NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized the actions as "disgusting" and reminiscent of "creepy Trump-style politics."56
John Fraser, interim Leader of the Ontario Liberals, called for accountability, stating, "This isn't politics. This is creepy, disturbing behavior and a complete abuse of power." He highlighted the misuse of public funds, raising concerns about the extent of Ford's tactics against political opponents.91013
The incident has sparked outrage, with calls for transparency regarding who authorized the expenses and whether similar actions have occurred in the past.
“The PC Party's 2023 financial statement, obtained by CBC from the NDP, shows $1,000.05 in expenses at Ocean Eden Bay and $1,971.67 at Royalton Negril Hotel. NDP Leader Marit Stiles called the alleged spying 'disgusting' and 'creepy Trump-style politics,' while interim Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser demanded answers.”
