Skills Development Fund

• Top Labour Ministry aide departs Ford government days after minister shuffled out

  Days after the ministerial shake-up, Piccini's chief of staff in the Ministry of Labour also departed his post according to a memo from Ford's office. 

  Politics

  Sep 15
  
• Ford government started 19 forensic audits in 5 years, including at Ministry of Labour

  The government has initiated almost 20 audits since 2022. The ministry with the most audits is in charge of the controversial skills development fund.

  Politics

  Apr 8
  
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• Company sued by Ford government says it faces bankruptcy, tries to speed up case

  The company, Keel Digital Solutions, received millions from the government for counselling services for students on college and university campuses. 

  Canada

  Feb 24
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• Police launch investigation into 2nd recipient of Ford government skills development fund

  Both the Ontario Provincial Police and Premier Doug Ford's government confirmed an investigation into Jake’s House for Autistic Children over funds it received. 

  Politics

  Jan 28
• Ontario company at centre of OPP investigation donated to Peel police chief’s gala

  Keel Digital Solutions, which was approved for more than $35 million in government funding, has been accused of 'misleading' the province in an attempt to gain more funding.

  Politics

  Jan 13
• Ford government sues skills development fund recipient for alleged fraud

  The province is seeking $25.9 million from Keel Digital Solutions, which was also subject to a forensic audit now being investigated by the Ontario Provincial Police.

  Politics

  Jan 9
• Ford stands by labour minister as integrity commissioner begins ethics probe

  The integrity commissioner accepted opposition requests to investigate whether David Piccini had broken ethics rules in how he selected applicants from the $2.5-billion pot. 

  Politics

  Jan 6
• Integrity commission lays out philosophy ahead of skills development fund investigation

  Cathryn Motherwell, who was appointed integrity commissioner in April, recently offered a federal parliamentary committee a window into her thinking and priorities.

  Politics

  Dec 22, 2025
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• Labour minister faces calls to resign over skills development fund ethics probe

  Piccini has faced questions over the controversial fund after the auditor general found the manner in which it had been handled was not 'fair, transparent or accountable.'

  Politics

  Dec 19, 2025
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• Ontario integrity commissioner launches investigation into Ford’s labour minister

  The integrity commissioner wrote to both the Ontario NDP and Liberals to accept their requests for an investigation into Piccini and determine whether he broke ethics regulations.

  Politics

  Dec 18, 2025