Ontario Government Spent Record $111.9M on Ads Before Election

Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government has set a new record for public advertising spending, shelling out $111.9 million in the lead-up to February’s snap election — the highest amount in provincial history. This figure is $8.4 million higher than the previous year, which had already set a record for advertising expenditures.

Auditor General Shelley Spence, in her annual report, noted that the spike in spending coincided with the provincial election and reflected a focus on campaigns that “promote the governing party” rather than providing clear information about public services.

Opposition figures have criticized the government for using taxpayer funds for political gain. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said, “Doug Ford is trying to gaslight the people of our province with their own money. Ontarians face real challenges — jobs, housing, groceries — and need a government that works, not propaganda.”

The report highlighted major campaigns, including U.S. partnership commercials designed to appeal to U.S. policymakers and prevent potential trade tariffs. These ads were budgeted at $52 million, with $40.1 million ultimately spent, primarily on television. The domestic “It’s Happening Here” campaign was also noted, having been flagged by the Auditor General last year for lacking a clear public purpose beyond enhancing the government’s image. Spence’s 2025 report reiterated that the campaign “did not include information about services or programs, but rather appeared designed to improve Ontarians’ impression of the current state of Ontario, the subtext of which promotes the governing party.”

The report raises concerns about the increasing use of public funds for image-building exercises, particularly during election periods. Analysts argue that such spending may blur the line between government communication and partisan promotion, prompting calls for stricter oversight of taxpayer-funded advertising.

The Auditor General’s findings have ignited renewed debate over government transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the ethical use of public funds in Ontario.