Tina Yazdani

The Ford government has spent $452 million in taxpayer-funded advertising since 2018 — repeatedly refusing to disclose campaign costs until forced by FOI — while the Auditor General found 38% of spending was designed to promote the governing party, and the firm behind the most controversial ad is run by Doug Ford's campaign manager's brother-in-law.

Co-bylined The Trillium's Aug. 11, 2026 story on the Ford government's Ontario Place advertising spending, based on records obtained through a freedom of information request. The tourism minister's office did not directly answer the reporters' questions and instead sent a statement about the redevelopment, saying more advertising information would be released later in the year.

A Trillium review found at least five government announcements since mid-May 2026 where Premier Doug Ford appeared at official "Protect Ontario" podiums without any media advisory being issued. Reporters only learned the events had happened once photos and videos were posted online.

Trillium reporter who authored the August 5, 2026 story documenting at least five Ford government announcements staged at "Protect Ontario" podiums since mid-May 2026 with no media advisory, excluding third-party-organized events and ceremonial appearances from the count.

A leaked Ministry of Education ad script obtained by The Trillium shows actors playing parents criticizing teacher unions over sick days and doctor's notes, produced while five major education unions have suspended bargaining. Education Minister Paul Calandra defended the campaign; ETFO's president called it a taxpayer-funded smear campaign.

Trillium reporter who obtained and reported the draft ad script on August 17, 2026 — a document labelled "Ministry of Education: Student Achievement First" and dated July 10, 2026, in which actors portraying parents criticize teacher unions over sick days and doctor's notes.