Ontario Skills Fund Faces Criticism Over Donations, $1.06M Grant

UPDATE: The Ontario government is facing intense scrutiny over its Skills Development Fund, as critics allege a troubling pattern of political donations linked to taxpayer money. Recent revelations reveal that **FGF Brands Inc.**, a bakery company, received **$1.064 million** from the fund after its owners donated **$32,000** to the **Ontario Progressive Conservative Party** in **2025**.

This controversy ignited during a tour by Ontario Premier **Doug Ford** at FGF Brands in the Greater Toronto Area, where he praised the company as “the NASA of food production.” Shortly after, FGF enlisted the help of lobbyist **Kory Teneycke**, who has ties to the Progressive Conservative Party, to secure funding from the Skills Development Fund. Despite initial rejections, FGF was awarded funding in **September 2025**.

Key political figures have raised alarms over what they describe as a “circular economy” of donations. Liberal MPP **John Fraser** stated, “People are donating lots of money and then they’re getting millions of dollars from a government.” His colleague, **Stephanie Smyth**, echoed this sentiment, calling the funding process “gobsmacking.”

In addition to FGF Brands, the controversy extends to the **Ontario Harness Horse Association**, which received over **$6 million** in funding while its president made **$15,548** in donations to the party between **2022 and 2025**. NDP Leader **Marit Stiles** highlighted this as part of a larger trend, stating, “If you can pay to play, then you got a place at the table.”

The backlash is compounded by the Ford government’s proposal to increase individual donation limits to **$5,000**, further fueling accusations of corruption. Stiles condemned this move, suggesting it would “slap up a big for-sale sign on democracy.”

As these allegations unfold, the public remains concerned about the implications of such funding practices on Ontario’s democratic integrity. The opposition is calling for immediate transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are distributed.

WHAT’S NEXT: The situation is developing, and more scrutiny of the Skills Development Fund is expected in the coming days. Watch for further announcements from the Ontario government and the potential impact on upcoming elections.