Ford Defends Funding for Digital Health Firm Amid Audit Investigation

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is facing scrutiny over the provincial government’s decision to continue funding Keel Digital Solutions while the company was under audit, which has since led to an investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Despite allegations of irregularities, the Ford government provided millions in taxpayer dollars to the digital mental health platform, raising questions about oversight and accountability.

The controversy centers on the funding received by Keel Digital Solutions, which was previously known as Get-A-Head before its acquisition and rebranding. Since 2021, the organization has received approximately $20 million from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities for digital mental health services aimed at post-secondary students. In 2023, a routine audit of Get-A-Head flagged concerns that prompted a forensic audit in 2025.

During a press conference at Queen’s Park, Ford defended the government’s actions, stating, “We cut off the funding as soon as we get the results.” He emphasized the principle of presuming innocence during audits, explaining, “You don’t presume someone guilty right away. What you do is find out if there’s a problem with the money, then we’re the ones who go ahead and call in the OPP.”

Despite the ongoing audit, Keel Digital Solutions continued to receive substantial funding from multiple provincial ministries in the fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Specifically, the company was allocated $12.7 million from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, $1.8 million from the Ministry of Health, and $2.3 million from the Ministry of Labour’s skills development fund.

Critics have raised alarms over the government’s apparent lack of awareness regarding the audit. Ontario Liberal Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) John Fraser questioned the rationale behind the continued funding, asking, “If you had a contractor in your house and they started sending you bills that you couldn’t trust, would you keep paying them?”

Further criticism came from NDP Leader Marit Stiles, who expressed disbelief that the government was unaware of the audit. Stiles pointed to David Piccini, the Minister of Labour, who awarded a $2.7 million contract to Keel Digital Solutions despite bureaucrats ranking the company low. “The minister of labour has admitted that he handpicked that same company after bureaucrats had already ranked them low, had already raised red flags,” Stiles stated.

As calls for accountability grow, the NDP has demanded the resignation of Piccini over the handling of the Skills Development Fund. Nevertheless, Ford has publicly supported Piccini, confirming he will remain in his position when the legislature reconvenes in March 2026.

The situation continues to unfold as the OPP investigates the allegations against Keel Digital Solutions, prompting ongoing discourse regarding government transparency and the management of public funds. The outcomes of the audit and investigation will likely influence future funding decisions and accountability measures within Ontario’s provincial government.