Ontario PCs spending donor money on outrageous items
One Ontario PC riding association billed $15,000 for premium beef, complete with an adoption certificate from the farm, while another spent $47,000 on an annual chestnut roast.
Elections Ontario filings reviewed by the Toronto Star reveal a number of Ontario PC riding associations have been spending donor money on some unusually lavish items. Sheila Gunn Reid read through the highlights on Monday's Rebel Roundup — and both she and Lise Merle had thoughts.
The list includes $15,000 on organic grass-fed premium beef "gently raised in the rolling pastures of King City" — complete, Sheila noted, with an adoption certificate from the farm where the beef originated.
"You know it's expensive when they give you an adoption certificate," replied Lise. There was also $3,400 on oysters and Japanese tapas, $485 at a Toronto establishment boasting the largest selection of tequila in the country, and $1,500 on axe throwing paired with chicken tenders.
The most striking individual case was the riding association for Vaughan-Woodbridge, represented by Associate Solicitor General Michael Tibolo — not even a cabinet minister — which billed $47,000 in each of the last two years for an annual chestnut roast fundraiser.
"If it was a fundraiser and you need $50,000 upfront to run it every year," Lise said, "I don't think that's a good representation of a good fundraiser." Another MPP's riding association ran up $70,000 in fundraiser costs over two years, noted Sheila.
Both hosts were quick to recall how the same political culture that once made a federal minister's career-defining scandal out of a $16 glass of orange juice is now apparently comfortable with $15,000 beef and $3,400 oyster bills charged to donor accounts.
"Take me back," Lise said.
Oda — the former federal Heritage Minister dinged by Conservatives and the media alike over a hotel minibar orange juice — has been retroactively vindicated by the current standard.
Reflecting on an iconic photo of the former Conservative MP taking a drag from a cigarette while wearing sunglasses, Sheila said Oda's problem was "that was she dangerously cool in a time of boring button-down, sweater-vest wearing Conservatives."
"In a world of Karens," Lise said, "be a Bev."
Rebel Roundup airs Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11 a.m. MT / 1 p.m. ET.
Livestream Clips
Catch the most impactful clips from our daily news livestream, Rebel Roundup, featuring breaking stories, bold opinions, and exclusive insights from our top reporters. Stay informed and never miss a moment—watch now!
https://www.rebelnews.com/live
COMMENTS
-
Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-08-17 17:35:30 -0400 FlagThis is an example of why the Conservatives and Liberals are often referred to as the “uni-party”.