Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed on Wednesday that he had no prior knowledge of the Progressive Conservative Party allegedly spending funds to conduct surveillance on former Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie in Jamaica in 2023. The Trillium and POLICORNER reported that the party purportedly used nearly $3,000 in donor and taxpayer money to monitor Crombie at two luxury resorts in Jamaica shortly after she assumed the Liberal leadership in December 2023.
Although CBC News has not independently verified The Trillium and POLICORNER’s claims, the Ontario PC Party acknowledged engaging in opposition research, which involved a trip to Jamaica in December 2023. Ford, disapproving of the alleged surveillance, stated that party funds were used for the expense, mentioning that political parties in Ontario receive taxpayer subsidies.
When questioned if his lack of awareness absolved him from responsibility, Ford emphasized his reliance on his team for overseeing expenditures, indicating that he does not monitor every dollar during campaigns. Responding to inquiries about future tactics, Ford expressed hope that such actions would not continue, emphasizing the importance of fair and balanced elections.
Crombie refrained from commenting on the allegations but confirmed her visit to Jamaica in December 2023, staying at one of the resorts mentioned in the PC party’s 2023 financial report. The report, obtained by CBC News from the NDP, disclosed expenses at two Jamaican resorts, with no detailed breakdown of the spending at the second resort.
Opposition leaders, including NDP Leader Marit Stiles and interim Leader of the Ontario Liberals John Fraser, condemned the alleged spying on Crombie. Stiles criticized the behavior as reminiscent of “creepy Trump-style politics,” calling for accountability within the party. Fraser denounced the use of public funds for surveillance, questioning the extent of Ford’s willingness to target political opponents.
