Ontario’s integrity commissioner is set to initiate an investigation into the conduct of Ontario’s labour minister regarding a contentious training fund. Cathryn Motherwell, the Integrity Commissioner, will lead the inquiry to ascertain if Labour Minister David Piccini violated any provisions of the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994 while managing the $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund. Requests for the inquiry came from Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Ontario Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth, prompting the Commissioner to consolidate both requests into a single investigation.
Upon completion of the inquiry, a report will be submitted to the speaker of the Ontario legislative assembly. The Ontario Labour Ministry affirmed their cooperation with the Integrity Commissioner in a statement, highlighting the success of the Skills Development Fund in training nearly 700,000 individuals for lucrative careers in various sectors.
Opposition parties have persistently called for Piccini’s resignation following criticism of his administration of the fund. Auditor General Shelley Spence’s special report in early October exposed irregularities in the allocation of $1.3 billion from the fund, citing deficiencies in the selection process. Despite the scrutiny, Piccini has defended the fund, emphasizing its positive impact on workforce development.
In a related development, the Ontario Provincial Police announced an investigation into Keel Digital Solutions, a software company linked to the Skills Development Fund. The company, which offers mental health services, received substantial funding from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities for a mental health program. Keel Digital Solutions had received approximately $7.5 million in grants under the fund during specific funding rounds.
The ongoing controversies surrounding the Skills Development Fund continue to draw attention and raise questions about transparency and accountability in government funding allocations.