Ontario's Integrity Commissioner has launched a formal investigation into Labour and Immigration Minister David Piccini, following complaints from opposition parties regarding his handling of the province's controversial Skills Development Fund. The probe, accepted on Thursday, December 18, 2025, will examine allegations that Progressive Conservative donors and insiders received preferential treatment in the allocation of funds.
Opposition Leaders Trigger Formal Ethics Probe
The investigation was triggered by formal requests from Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth, the party's ethics critic. Stiles stated that after giving Piccini seven weeks to address concerns, his responses involved deflection and excuses, prompting the need for an official inquiry. "It shouldn't take an ethics investigation to get some honesty from the government, but here we are," Stiles said in a statement.
The commissioner's office confirmed it will investigate alleged contraventions of multiple sections of the Members' Integrity Act, including those dealing with conflict of interest, insider information, influence, and gifts. The commissioner, Cathryn Motherwell, has the authority to compel witnesses to testify during the investigation.
Auditor General's Findings and Ongoing OPP Probe
The scrutiny stems from an auditor general's report which found that Piccini's office was heavily involved in selecting projects for the $2.5-billion skills training program, sometimes choosing recipients against the advice of ministry bureaucrats. One company, Keel Digital Solutions, has drawn particular attention, with critics noting one of its lobbyists is a close friend of Piccini's.
Separately, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating allegations of payment "irregularities" involving Keel Digital Solutions and another government branch. The company has stated it welcomes the OPP probe and will be cooperative.
Calls for Resignation and Government Response
The opposition has repeatedly called for Piccini's resignation, demands that Premier Doug Ford has so far resisted. Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth called the integrity commissioner's decision to investigate an "important first step" and demanded that Piccini step aside "at bare minimum" until the probe is complete.
As of the report's publication, emails seeking comment from both the Office of the Integrity Commissioner regarding the investigation's timeline and from Minister Piccini's office were not immediately returned. The outcome of this investigation could have significant political repercussions for the Ford government as it manages the fallout from the embattled Skills Development Fund.
