**Ontario Premier Faces Criticism Over Grant Distribution**

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative (PC) government are under fire from the Liberal and New Democratic parties for allegedly favoring clients of lobby firms in awarding contracts. This controversy erupted following a report from Ontario Auditor General Shelley Spence, released on October 1, which scrutinized the Skills Development Fund (SDF).

The SDF was established in February 2021 to address labor market challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the auditor general's findings, the selection process for grant recipients lacked fairness, transparency, and accountability. The report indicated that the Ontario labor minister's office disregarded the recommendations of non-partisan staff, leading to the distribution of approximately $750 million in grants.

The report raised concerns about possible preferential treatment, noting that many successful applicants were backed by lobbyists. The Trillium reported that clients of lobbying firms with ties to Ford and his family received significant funding. For instance, Sussex Strategy's clients were awarded $37.5 million, while Upstream Strategy's clients received about $31 million. Other firms, including Counsel Public Affairs and ONpoint Strategy, also had clients that benefited from the fund.

The most notable firm mentioned was Rubicon Strategy, owned by Ford's campaign manager, Kory Teneycke, which reportedly secured over $100 million for its clients. This information has prompted strong reactions from opposition leaders.

Liberal parliamentary leader John Fraser stated, "It smells like the Greenbelt, and it’s a racket. If you know somebody, you’re OK. (If) you’re connected, you get it." NDP leader Marit Stiles echoed these sentiments, saying, "$100 million going to companies that paid lobbyists that are connected to government insiders, there’s something wrong there. Something doesn’t smell right … What I see happening over and over again is the premier and his government treating this fund like their personal piggy bank."

Critics argue that while the current government is being scrutinized for its actions, the Liberals and New Democrats have also engaged in similar practices during their time in power. Historical examples include a lobbyist scandal involving the Liberal government under former Premier Dalton McGuinty in 2010, where public funds were used to lobby the government.

As the political fallout continues, the debate over the SDF and its management highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in government funding processes in Ontario.