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Ontario Integrity Commissioner to Investigate David Piccini over Skills Fund
The probe follows claims of ethics breaches involving $2.5 billion in funding awards, with over 60 low-ranking applicants approved after hiring lobbyists, opposition parties say.
- On Dec. 18, 2025, Ontario integrity commissioner Cathryn Motherwell opened an investigation into Labour Minister David Piccini after complaints from the Ontario NDP and Ontario Liberals about the Skills Development Fund.
- After the auditor's review found irregularities, the Auditor General of Ontario reported more than 60 lower-scoring applicants won funding after hiring lobbyists, and opposition parties alleged the fund rewarded insiders.
- One prominent example involves Keel Digital Solutions, whose lobbyist is a close friend of David Piccini; the Ontario Provincial Police anti‑rackets branch launched an investigation into Keel earlier this month, though the company denies wrongdoing.
- Piccini's office says it is cooperating with investigators, Premier Doug Ford defends him and Motherwell's office confirmed a report will be filed with the Speaker and posted online.
- Motherwell's office has statutory powers to compel testimony and documents under Section 33 of the Public Inquiries Act, while the Skills Development Fund has trained nearly 700,000 people, raising the stakes.
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Total News Sources32
Leaning Left19Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution83% Left
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- 83% of the sources lean Left
83% Left
L 83%
C 17%
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