Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is “not getting rid” of his embattled labour minister as the government continues to defend its controversial skills development fund amidst growing pressure.

The training fund was the subject of an investigation by the auditor general last month, which found it was “not fair, transparent or accountable” in how it was handled.

Last week, the Ontario Provincial Police confirmed officers in its anti-rackets branch were looking at the findings of a forensic audit into a company the Ford government has given tens of millions to, including through the fund.

Opposition MPPs peppered Ford and David Piccini, his labour minister, with questions about the audit, the skills development fund and whether he would resign or be fired on Monday.

The premier passed

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