TORONTO — Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini faced intense questioning Monday at Queen’s Park as opposition parties accused his ministry of mismanaging a $2.5-billion Skills Development Fund, following critical findings from a report by the Ontario auditor general.
The auditor’s report found the fund — meant to train workers and support job creation — was not managed in a fair, transparent, or accountable manner. It revealed that Piccini’s office had been heavily involved in selecting projects, approving funding for applicants ranked low by bureaucrats without documenting the reasons behind those decisions.
Media reports also noted that several beneficiaries of the fund included unions that endorsed the Progressive Conservatives in past elections and individuals who donated to the party, raising questions about potential political favoritism.
Adding to the controversy, more than 60 lower-ranked applicants were approved after hiring lobbyists, according to the auditor. This discovery prompted opposition leaders to accuse the government of providing preferential treatment to politically connected groups.
Opposition Calls for Resignation
Leaders of all three opposition parties — the NDP, Liberals, and Greens — have called on Premier Doug Ford to demand Piccini’s resignation.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles said the fund’s intentions were good but that its administration under Piccini has cast doubt over its integrity.
“It’s supposed to be training workers,” Stiles said. “Every single dollar needs to go to working people. But right now, there’s a cloud over the whole fund because of this minister’s misbehaviour — and that responsibility ultimately lies with the premier.”
Liberal parliamentary leader John Fraser echoed those concerns, accusing Piccini of using his influence to benefit personal connections.
“He’s used his influence to further his friends’ benefit,” Fraser said. “If the premier doesn’t think that’s wrong, then he’s saying it’s OK — and that’s unacceptable.”
Piccini and Ford Defend the Fund
Despite mounting criticism, both Premier Ford and Minister Piccini are defending the program. Piccini emphasized that the Skills Development Fund has helped thousands of Ontarians find jobs and supported essential sectors, including construction and emergency services.
“This is about funding important programs that are changing people’s lives,” Piccini said. “We’re supporting first responders, construction workers, and more. This fund is about getting people back to work.”
However, critics say the lack of transparency in funding decisions undermines public trust. The auditor general, Shelley Spence, found that in the first two rounds of funding, Piccini’s office approved 388 projects totaling $479 million without recording reasons for their selection.
Transparency Questions Remain
Piccini’s office has not released the full list of recipients or explained how each application was ranked by bureaucrats. The lack of public disclosure continues to raise questions about accountability.
The auditor also noted that similar funding programs in other provinces — including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador — do not allow ministers’ offices to make specific funding decisions, suggesting Ontario’s approach is an outlier.
The controversy marks a rocky return to Queen’s Park after months of political recess, setting the stage for what could become a major test for the Ford government’s commitment to transparency and fair governance.