NDP makes integrity complaint over Ford stag-and-doe event

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles is asking the integrity commissioner to provide an opinion on whether Premier Doug Ford’s actions surrounding his daughter’s stag-and-doe event were inappropriate.

Ford has acknowledged the presence of some developers at the $150-a-ticket event but says they are personal friends.

Media reports say lobbyists and government relations firms were also invited to the event.

READ MORE: Ontario, federal government agree on health-care deal

Stiles would like the integrity commissioner to investigate whether Ford violated sections of the Members’ Integrity Act by inviting developers.

The violations relate to furthering someone’s private interests and accepting a gift or benefit connected directly or indirectly with the performance of a member’s duties.

“Several individuals and developers who attended the subsequent wedding have received favourable Minister’s Zoning Orders and at least one has benefitted from recent policy changes related to removing land from the protected Greenbelt,” Stiles said in her written complaint.

READ MORE: Police ramp up patrols in Hamilton to address car break-ins

Government House Leader Paul Calandra says Stiles’ complaint is a “drive-by smear.”

Ford has said he already asked for an opinion on the stag-and-doe event and the commissioner’s office determined there was no violation.

The premier was not in attendance at the legislature Thursday to respond to questions from Stiles.