Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed his lack of knowledge about his Progressive Conservative Party’s expenditure on surveilling former Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie in Jamaica in 2023 until Wednesday. The Trillium and POLICORNER published a report alleging that the provincial party had used almost $3,000 from donors and taxpayers to monitor Bonnie Crombie at two luxury resorts in Jamaica as part of opposition research, citing information from anonymous sources familiar with the operation.
The reported surveillance occurred six days after Crombie secured the Liberal leadership in December 2023 while she was vacationing in Jamaica for three days, as per The Trillium and POLICORNER. CBC News has not independently verified the claims made by The Trillium and POLICORNER.
In response, the Ontario PC Party released a statement acknowledging that they conduct opposition research, which included the trip to Jamaica in December 2023. Ford distanced himself from the alleged spying, stating his disapproval and mentioning that he addressed the party upon learning of the allegations. He clarified that the expenses were covered by party funds, which include taxpayer money through per-vote subsidies.
Ford emphasized the nature of political activities, comparing the trip to when media personnel accompany him on U.S. trips. When questioned if he bears responsibility for not being aware of the incident, Ford emphasized his reliance on his team to ensure proper expenditure, particularly during campaigns.
While Crombie declined to comment on the allegations, she confirmed her vacation in Jamaica post the 2023 leadership race, staying at one of the resorts listed in the PC party’s 2023 financial statement. The financial statement, obtained by CBC News from the NDP, showed expenses at the Ocean Eden Bay and the Royalton Negril Hotel in Jamaica, without specifying the purpose or claimants of the spending at the latter.
Opposition party leaders, including NDP Leader Marit Stiles and interim Ontario Liberals Leader John Fraser, condemned the alleged spying, labeling it as inappropriate and an abuse of power. Stiles criticized the behavior as reminiscent of “creepy Trump-style politics,” demanding accountability within the party for the expenses incurred on tracking a political opponent.
Fraser urged Ford to provide explanations for the surveillance operation and identify those involved, expressing concerns over the misuse of public funds for targeting political adversaries and questioning the extent of Ford’s tactics in dealing with opponents.