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Fraser also argued that any expenses Ford and his staff incur while in Washington \u2014 along with the cost to the civil service to support the Premier \u2014 should be logged as election expenses that should be charged to the Progressive Conservative Party.<\/p>\n
A 2018 pre-election memo from then-Secretary of Cabinet Steve Orsini clearly laid out how members of the governing party are expected to carry on during an election.<\/p>\n
\u201cMinisters will be asked to exercise care and avoid any perception that they are using their ministerial offices, resources or portfolios for political purposes,\u201d the 2018 pre-election memo cautioned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile most government events are postponed during the election period, should any such event be approved to proceed during this time, Ministers and Parliamentary Assistants will be advised not to attend.\u201d<\/p>\n
The memo added that while some circumstances \u2013 such as a provincial emergency, national or international event \u2013 could require a minister\u2019s involvement, that should be limited to a \u201cstatement by the premier or a responsible minister.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Liberals have asked the Chief Electoral Officer to publicly weigh in on whether the use of taxpayer dollars during the election campaign would be considered an \u201cimproper contribution\u201d and a violation of the Ontario Election Finances Act.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven the Premier has stated his intention to call the election this Wednesday, we ask that you reply publicly as expeditiously as possible to safeguard our democratic norms and ensure a free and fair election,\u201d the letter states.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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